Nigerian Air Force Says 11 Officers, C-130 Aircraft Seized In Burkina Faso Not Yet Released, Denies Spy Mission
Nigerian Air Force Says 11 Officers, C-130 Aircraft Seized In Burkina Faso Not Yet Released, Denies Spy Mission
The NAF spokesperson also rejected claims that the 11 crew members and engineering personnel onboard were intelligence officers or espionage specialists, stressing that they were standard aircrew and mission-support officers on a legitimate military air movement.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dismissed claims alleging that one of its C-130 military transport aircraft was forced to land in Burkina Faso on suspicion of espionage, insisting that the aircraft was on a routine maintenance ferry flight and was never involved in any covert operation.
In a statement issued on Monday, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, described the reports as misleading, accusing purveyors of deliberately spreading disinformation to inflame public sentiment and strain regional relations.
According to Ejodame, the aircraft was on a duly authorised ferry flight to Portugal for scheduled periodic depot maintenance, a mandatory lifecycle requirement for military transport aircraft, and had no operational or intelligence mission of any kind.
“The aircraft in question was on a duly authorised ferry flight to Portugal for scheduled periodic depot maintenance… and therefore had no operational tasking or mission of any kind,” the statement read.
He explained that the flight was covered by all necessary documentation, including provisions for diversion in line with international aviation procedures, adding that the precautionary landing at Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso was carried out strictly on safety grounds and in full compliance with standard aviation protocols.
“At no time was the aircraft intercepted, forced to land, or found operating without authorisation. Claims of airspace violation or hostile intent are fabrications intended to misinform and inflame public sentiment,” Ejodame said.
The NAF spokesperson also rejected claims that the 11 crew members and engineering personnel onboard were intelligence officers or espionage specialists, stressing that they were standard aircrew and mission-support officers on a legitimate military air movement.
“Equally baseless are allegations of espionage, SIGINT operations, foreign sponsorship, or the involvement of other external networks,” he added, noting that the aircraft was not equipped with any surveillance or data-collection systems.
Ejodame further clarified that contrary to speculation on social media, the Nigerian Air Force never announced that the crew had been released.
He stressed that engagements between the NAF personnel and Burkinabe authorities had remained professional, with the crew in contact with their families.
He said issues relating to the aircraft and its personnel were being handled by relevant Nigerian government ministries and agencies through established diplomatic channels, in line with international norms and bilateral relations.
“The continued circulation of these narratives reflects a deliberate disinformation effort aimed at discrediting Nigeria, undermining trust, and straining regional relations,” the statement said.
The Air Force urged Nigerians to rely on verified information, remain calm and discerning, and resist the spread of sensational claims capable of undermining national cohesion and regional stability.
“Constructive scrutiny is welcome in a democracy, but the amplification of falsehoods only serves the interests of those who seek to weaken national cohesion and undermine Nigeria’s standing,” Ejodame added, calling for patriotism, responsibility and confidence in national institutions.
