NAF denies espionage claims over C-130 landing in Burkina Faso
The Nigerian Air Force has rejected reports that its C-130 transport aircraft currently in Burkina Faso was engaged in espionage or was forced to land by Burkinabe authorities. In a detailed clarification, NAF described the claims circulating online as false, misleading and capable of inflaming public sentiment and straining regional relations. According to the statement, the C-130 was on a duly approved ferry flight from Lagos to Portugal for scheduled depot maintenance when the crew observed a technical issue on 8 December 2025. In line with standard aviation safety procedures, the aircraft diverted to the nearest suitable airfield, Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso, where it made a precautionary landing. NAF stressed that the flight had no operational tasking and was not deployed for any combat, intelligence, surveillance or signals collection mission. Officials said the aircraft carried all required documentation and clearances, […]