Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has explained that its C-130 aircraft landed in Burkina Faso only as a safety measure after the crew noticed a technical issue mid-flight.
Gatekeepers News reports that Alliance of Sahel States consisting of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso had on Monday released a joint statement, stating that an aircraft carrying 11 Nigerian soldiers violated Burkina Faso airspace.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, clarified on Tuesday that the crew diverted to the closest available airfield in Bobo-Dioulasso, in line with international aviation rules.
Ejodame said the aircraft was on its way to Portugal on December 8 when the technical issue arose. He added that reports claiming the Burkinabe authorities detained the 11 crew members were incorrect, noting that all personnel are safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities.
He also said plans were being made for the mission to continue as arranged and thanked Nigerians for their support, assuring that NAF would keep following strict safety and operational guidelines.
