The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft, which was released on Thursday by Burkinabe authorities following a diplomatic meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has arrived in Ghana.
NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed this in a statement on Friday.
He said the aircraft departed Bobo-Dioulasso airfield, Burkina Faso on Friday evening, and arrived safely in Accra in line with the updated flight plan.
Ejodame revealed that the aircraft landing in Ghana was in preparation for onward movement to Portugal via Banjul and Casablanca for its scheduled depot maintenance.
The statement read: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is pleased to confirm that its C-130 aircraft, which made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, departed this evening and arrived safely in Accra in line with updated flight plan, preparing for onward movement to Portugal via Banjul and Casablanca for its scheduled depot maintenance.
“The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the concern and support expressed by members of the public and assures Nigerians that all personnel remain safe, the aircraft is serviceable, and the Service continues to operate to the highest standards of safety and professionalism.”
There was a diplomatic misunderstanding between Nigeria and Burkina Faso two weeks ago after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft made a precautionary landing in the Sahelian country on December 8.
The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) described the landing as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law.”
But according to a statement by a NAF spokesperson, on December 9, the aircraft was en route to Portugal for maintenance, but had to divert to the Bobo-Dioulasso Airfield in Burkina Faso after the crew detected a technical issue a few hours after departing Lagos on December 8.
Ejodame explained that the Bobo-Dioulasso Airfield was the nearest available airfield at the time, noting that the diversion was in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.
“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 the NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate,” he said.
However, despite the explanation, allegations of espionage circulated online. These allegations were later refuted by credible sources at the NAF Headquarters.
On Wednesday, December 16, President Bola Tinubu sent a delegation led by Tuggar, to meet with Ibrahim Traoré, Burkin Faso’s military leader, and both sides amicably resolved the issue, leading to the release of the aircraft and the crew by Burkinabe authorities on Friday, December 19.