The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has explained why one of its C-130 transport aircraft diverted and landed in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, during a ferry flight to Portugal on 8 December.

In a statement on Tuesday, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft had departed Lagos when the crew detected a technical issue that required an immediate safety decision mid-flight.

He said the pilots, acting in line with established safety procedures and international aviation protocols, opted to carry out a precautionary landing at the nearest suitable airfield, which was Bobo-Dioulasso.

According to Ejodame, all personnel on board the aircraft are safe and have been accorded cordial treatment by Burkinabè authorities since the diversion.

He added that necessary arrangements are already in motion to enable the crew to continue the journey to Portugal once all technical and operational checks are completed.

Ejodame further reassured Nigerians that the Nigerian Air Force remains firmly committed to strict adherence to operational procedures and global aviation safety standards in all its missions, while also prioritising the welfare of its personnel as it carries out its constitutional responsibilities.