The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, has confirmed that a Nigerian Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft was forced to land in Burkina Faso after entering the country’s airspace without authorisation.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the three military-led nations said the aircraft, which was carrying 11 Nigerian military personnel, was intercepted and diverted to the Bobo-Dioulasso Airport following what was described as an “in-flight emergency” while operating in Burkinabe airspace without prior clearance.
The AES stressed that the Nigerian aircraft had not obtained the required overflight permission, describing it as a violation of Burkina Faso’s sovereignty.
The statement did not disclose the current status or location of the 11 crew members and passengers on board.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Air Force nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an official response to the incident.
Nigerian govt debunks the claim
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday denied violating Burkina Faso airspace, clarifying that the landing of its C-130 aircraft in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8, 2025, was a “precautionary” measure due to a technical issue and followed due international procedures.
TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, issued the statement in response to Burkinabe authorities who disclosed that they had detained 11 military personnel for airspace violation.
According to Air Commodore Ejodame, the military transport aircraft was on a ferry mission destined for Portugal when the crew encountered an issue shortly after takeoff from Lagos.
“Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols,” the statement read.
The statement comes shortly after the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), which comprises Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, claimed that the Nigerian aircraft violated its airspace without securing the mandatory overflight clearance.
The NAF reassured that the crew were safe despite reports from AES that 11 military personnel (two crew and nine passengers) were being detained and the aircraft seized.
“They are safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities,” Ejodame confirmed.
The statement added that “Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled,” indicating diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the issue quickly and secure the release of the aircraft and its personnel.
The NAF assured the public of its commitment to “strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards.”
