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The Nigerian military has firmly dismissed claims that one of its C-130 aircraft was involved in a clandestine intelligence mission in Burkina Faso, describing the reports as false, misleading, and deliberately crafted to undermine Nigeria’s regional standing.
A senior military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the aircraft, which departed Lagos on December 8, 2025, was on a duly authorised ferry flight to Portugal for scheduled depot maintenance when it made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso after a technical issue was detected shortly after takeoff.
According to the source, the diversion was a routine safety decision fully covered by international aviation standards and supported by all necessary flight documentation, including provisions for diversion. He stressed that the aircraft was neither intercepted nor forced to land and did not violate Burkina Faso’s airspace.
“There was no operational tasking, intelligence mission, or espionage equipment onboard. Claims suggesting hostile intent or airspace violation are fabrications,” the source said, adding that the 11 personnel onboard were standard aircrew and mission-support officers.
He further clarified that contrary to online speculation, the Nigerian Air Force has not announced the release of the crew. The matter, he said, is being handled through established diplomatic channels.
The military warned that the spread of unverified reports amounts to disinformation and urged citizens to rely on credible sources, even as concerns grow among families of the detained personnel following claims by the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).
