The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that its C-130 aircraft crew, recently released in Burkina Faso, has resumed its scheduled mission to Portugal.
The 11-member crew was en route to Portugal for routine aircraft maintenance when the military transport plane made an unscheduled landing in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8, 2025, following a technical concern. The stop was described as a precautionary safety measure.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the crew continued its journey after the issue was resolved through engagements between Nigerian and Burkinabè authorities.
According to him, the crew’s release followed diplomatic interventions by the Federal Government, including a high-level delegation sent to Burkina Faso on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and comprised senior officials from Nigeria’s defence, intelligence and foreign service establishments.
Ebienfa said the incident was resolved amicably, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to diplomacy, aviation safety and regional cooperation.
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