Nigerian Air Force crew resumes Portugal mission after Burkina Faso release
The Nigerian Air Force C-130 crew, previously detained in Burkina Faso, has resumed its journey to Portugal for scheduled aircraft maintenance. The 11-member team was released following diplomatic efforts led by Bola Tinubu’s administration. The emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8, 2025, was due to technical issues. Officials confirmed the crew and aircraft are now continuing their original mission.
What we know
- The NAF C-130 crew made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso on December 8, 2025, due to technical issues.
- All 11 personnel were released after diplomatic intervention by a Nigerian delegation sent by Bola Tinubu.
- The crew is proceeding to Portugal for aircraft maintenance as initially planned.
- The release came after talks between Nigerian officials and Burkina Faso’s junta leader, Ibrahim Traoré.
- The incident drew criticism from Mali’s junta leader, Assimi Goita, who called the landing an “unfriendly act.”
