NAF C-130 aircraft, crew arrive Accra after release by Burkina Faso

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its C-130 aircraft and 11-man crew, which were earlier detained in Burkina Faso following a precautionary landing, have safely arrived in Accra, Ghana, barely two days after their release by the military authorities of the West African country.

The aircraft had made an unscheduled precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, prompting its temporary detention along with the crew, a development that generated public concern within Nigeria and across the region.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF said the aircraft departed Burkina Faso on Thursday evening in line with an updated flight plan.

According to the statement, the aircraft is now preparing for onward movement to Portugal via Banjul and Casablanca, where it is scheduled to undergo routine depot maintenance.

The statement reads: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is pleased to confirm that its C-130 aircraft, which made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, departed this evening and arrived safely in Accra in line with updated flight plan, preparing for onward movement to Portugal via Banjul and Casablanca for its scheduled depot maintenance.”

The NAF further reassured Nigerians that both the aircraft and crew were in good condition, stressing its commitment to operational safety and professionalism.

“The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the concern and support expressed by members of the public and assures Nigerians that all personnel remain safe, the aircraft is serviceable, and the Service continues to operate to the highest standards of safety and professionalism,” the statement added.

The C-130 aircraft is a key component of the NAF’s transport fleet and is routinely deployed for logistics, humanitarian missions, troop movement, and regional cooperation flights. Precautionary landings, aviation experts note, are standard safety procedures undertaken when minor technical or operational concerns arise mid-flight.