By Ayo Kehinde
Tensions rose on Monday after Burkina Faso forced a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft carrying 11 military personnel to land, accusing the aircraft of entering its airspace without the required clearance.
The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) also ordered its air and anti-aircraft defence systems to full alert, warning that any unauthorised flight would be intercepted and neutralised.
The development was disclosed by the state-run Agence d’Information du Burkina (AIB), which published an AES statement detailing the interception and preliminary findings.
According to the AES, “A C-130 aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to land today, December 8, 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency while operating in Burkinabe airspace.
The military aircraft had two crew members and nine passengers on board, all military personnel.”
Burkinabe authorities immediately opened an investigation, which concluded that the aircraft did not obtain mandatory overflight clearance.
The AES said the probe “highlighted the absence of authorisation to fly over the territory of Burkina Faso for this military device.”
Condemning the incident as a grave violation of national sovereignty, the AES described the unauthorised overflight as unacceptable.
“The Confederation condemns with the utmost firmness this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member States,” the statement added.
As of press time, neither the Nigerian Air Force nor the Federal Government had issued an official statement regarding the forced landing or the allegation of operating without clearance.
In its reaction, the NAF said the landing was precautionary and the crew were on a mission to Portugal.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore, Ehimen Ejodame said 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.
He said the NAF crew is safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities.
“Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate.”
