NAF C-130 finally lands in Portugal after detention in Burkina Faso

The Nigerian Air Force has announced that its C-130 transport aircraft, NAF 913, has safely arrived at a maintenance facility in Lisbon, Portugal.

The plane and its personnel had previously been held in Burkina Faso on December 8 over alleged airspace violations, which authorities there described as a breach of sovereignty.

The crew was released about 10 days later, following the visit of a Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who met with Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traoré.

According to a statement issued on Friday by NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft completed its ferry flight using an updated flight plan and standard aviation safety procedures, passing through Banjul and Casablanca before arriving in Portugal.

Ejodame added that the aircraft reached the OGMA maintenance facility without any issues, and the crew members are safe and in good spirits as the aircraft proceeds to scheduled depot maintenance.

He expressed appreciation to the host nations that supported the aircraft during its journey and reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to safety, professionalism, and accountability.