Nigerian Air Force Burkina Faso airspace incident
The aircraft, a C-130 transport jet, was reportedly on a ferry mission to Portugal when it made what the NAF calls a “precautionary landing” in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8, 2025, after experiencing a technical issue shortly after takeoff from Lagos. According to NAF’s official statement, the landing was in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. All crew and passengers, including the 11 military personnel on board, are safe and reportedly received cordial treatment from Burkinabé authorities.
However, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) a bloc comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger has described the incident as a serious violation of its airspace. The AES said the aircraft had no prior overflight authorisation and labelled the landing an “unfriendly act.” In response, they placed their air-defence and anti-aircraft units on maximum alert and warned that any future unauthorized incursions could be met with force.
In its reaction, the Nigerian Air Force reaffirmed that the landing was due to a legitimate technical concern and not a planned incursion. The NAF stated that the mission would resume once the technical issues were resolved. The service emphasized its commitment to operational safety and professionalism while fulfilling its constitutional duties.
The situation has drawn attention against a backdrop of rising regional tensions. The AES’s strong response reflects broader distrust between Nigeria and the AES member states following recent regional security events. Observers note that the incident could affect military and diplomatic relations in West Africa, especially given the AES warning of potential force in the case of further airspace violations.
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