NAF Dismisses Reports of Detained Military Aircraft Engaged in Espionage, Forced to Land in Burkina Faso

The Nigerian Air Force has dismissed as false claims circulating on social media that one of its C-130 aircraft currently in Burkina Faso was forced to land on suspicion of espionage.

In a statement issued yesterday, the NAF said reports alleging that the aircraft was engaged in a clandestine intelligence operation and that the crew members were intelligence officers trained in espionage were entirely misleading and unsupported by facts. The Air Force also clarified that it did not announce the release of the crew by Burkinabe authorities, contrary to online speculation.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame explained that the aircraft was on a duly authorised ferry flight to Portugal for scheduled periodic depot maintenance, which is a routine and mandatory requirement in the lifecycle of military transport aircraft. He said the aircraft had no operational tasking or mission of any kind.

According to the statement, the flight was covered by all necessary documentation, including provisions for diversion in line with international aviation procedures. The precautionary landing at Bobo-Dioulasso was initiated strictly on safety grounds and carried out in full compliance with standard aviation protocols.

Ejodame stressed that at no time was the aircraft intercepted or forced to land, nor was it operating without authorisation. He described claims of airspace violation or hostile intent as fabrications designed to misinform the public and inflame sentiment.

He also dismissed allegations of espionage, signals intelligence operations, foreign sponsorship, or the involvement of external networks, stating that the personnel onboard were standard aircrew and mission-support officers conducting a legitimate military air movement. He added that the aircraft was not equipped with any surveillance or data-collection systems.

The NAF said interactions between Burkinabe authorities and the Nigerian crew have remained professional, and confirmed that the crew members have been in contact with their families.

The statement further noted that matters relating to the aircraft and its personnel are being responsibly managed by relevant Nigerian government ministries and agencies through established diplomatic channels, in line with international norms and bilateral relations.

The Air Force warned that the continued spread of the false narratives reflects a deliberate disinformation effort aimed at discrediting Nigeria, undermining public trust, and straining regional relations. It urged the public to rely on verified information and to disregard sensational claims that could distort facts and threaten regional stability.

The NAF encouraged Nigerians to remain calm, discerning, and patriotic in their engagement with national security matters, stressing that while constructive scrutiny is welcome in a democracy, the amplification of falsehoods only serves to weaken national cohesion and undermine the country’s standing.