Freed 11 Nigerian Air Force Pilots Resume Journey to Portugal After Burkina Faso Detention

Eleven personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) who were briefly detained in Burkina Faso have been released and are continuing their journey to Portugal, with a scheduled stopover in Accra, Ghana.

The incident occurred on December 8, 2025, when a NAF C‑130 military transport aircraft carrying the 11 crew members made a precautionary emergency landing in Bobo‑Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, due to a technical issue.

The Air Force confirmed that the landing was conducted for safety reasons and that all personnel were safe.

Initially, the crew and aircraft were very detained by Burkina Faso authorities over concerns of an airspace violation.

This prompted immediate diplomatic engagement from the Federal Government of Nigeria, including discussions led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and senior military officials.

After sustained dialogue, the detention was resolved, and the crew was released on December 18, 2025.

Following their release, the NAF personnel and the C‑130 aircraft landed in Accra, Ghana, to refuel and complete necessary transit procedures before continuing to Portugal for routine aircraft maintenance.

Officials emphasised that the aircraft and crew were in good condition and that the situation had been resolved peacefully.

They noted that the incident highlights the importance of regional airspace coordination and effective communication between neighbouring countries’ military and aviation authorities.

The mission to Portugal is now proceeding as planned, and the Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to adhering to international aviation safety protocols.