The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the safe arrival of one of its C-130 aircraft, NAF 913, at a maintenance facility in Lisbon, Portugal, its final destination.
Burkina Faso had earlier detained the personnel and aircraft over alleged airspace violations, describing the incident as a breach of sovereignty on December 8.
PUNCH Online reports that the soldiers were released about 10 days after a high-level Nigerian delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, met with Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré and other members of his administration.
In a statement on Friday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the aircraft arrived after a ferry flight conducted in line with an updated flight plan and aviation safety procedures.
The statement read, “The Nigerian Air Force confirms that its C-130 aircraft (NAF 913) arrived safely at the maintenance facility, OGMA, in Lisbon, Portugal today, 26 December 2025.
“The ferry flight was successfully completed, transiting Banjul and Casablanca in line with an updated flight plan and established aviation safety procedures.
“The aircraft and crew arrived without incident, marking the final phase of the movement for the scheduled depot maintenance. All personnel are safe and remain in high spirits.
“The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the cooperation and support of host authorities throughout the transit, while reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of safety, professionalism and operational accountability.”
Leave a comment