The Nigerian House of Representatives has expressed concern over the grounding of a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft in Burkina Faso following an emergency landing, warning that misinformation could damage Nigeria’s diplomatic standing and national confidence.
The aircraft, engaged in a routine ferry mission to Portugal for scheduled maintenance, made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8 due to a technical issue, according to the Nigerian Air Force.
The Alliance for Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, accused Nigeria of violating its airspace, claiming the aircraft lacked authorization and calling the landing a breach of international aviation norms.
However, Nigerian authorities and the Air Force maintain that the landing was strictly for safety reasons and complied with international protocols.
The House called for swift diplomatic action to resolve the situation, urging relevant government agencies to coordinate and ensure the safe return of the aircraft and personnel.
Lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency and professionalism in handling such incidents, especially amid heightened regional tensions following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS.
The committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence, Nigerian Air Force, and National Security have been mandated to report back within two weeks, while the federal government is encouraged to issue factual briefings to counter misinformation and safeguard national security interests.
AES Airspace Violation Claim Amid Regional
StrainsRecall that the Alliance for Sahel States (AES) had earlier charged Nigeria with breaching its airspace after a Nigerian military transport plane made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso.
The plane diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso, a key southwestern city in Burkina Faso, due to an in-flight emergency while crossing Burkinabè airspace.
In its statement, the AES said the aircraft had two crew members and nine military passengers aboard, and it flew over Burkina Faso without prior clearance.
Formed by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the AES described the incident as a violation of national sovereignty and international aviation rules.
This claim surfaced against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the region, triggered by the trio’s departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
These nations, where juntas have taken control through recent coups, left ECOWAS after the bloc criticized the takeovers and applied sanctions—measures later reversed.
The leaders still blamed ECOWAS for economic hardship on civilians and inadequate backing against terrorism. After a year of ECOWAS mediation, the three nations finalized their exit in January 2025.
The airspace dispute thus highlights ongoing friction between the AES and ECOWAS, where Nigeria holds sway as the region’s biggest population and economy.
The Nigerian Air Force dismissed the accusation, affirming that the landing followed established safety protocols and global aviation standards. It noted the plane was en route to Portugal on a ferry flight when the crew detected a technical problem, prompting a detour to the closest viable airport.