The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft and crew, earlier detained in Burkina Faso and released, have landed in Accra, Ghana, for a technical stopover.
The spokesperson of the Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who confirmed this on Friday, said the crew would proceed to Portugal on Saturday.
He said: “The Nigerian military aircraft and 11 crew members have taken off from Bobo-Dioulasso. Bravo to the Embassy of Nigeria in Burkina Faso and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
“The aircraft is on the ground in Accra, Ghana, for a technical stopover. It will proceed tomorrow (Saturday) as planned to Portugal.”
It will be recalled that the crew, comprising 11 Nigerian personnel, was on a mission to Portugal for scheduled aircraft maintenance when it made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso penultimate Monday, a development that caused a diplomatic tension between both countries.
The emergency landing, which occurred in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8, 2025, was described as a precautionary measure following a technical issue with the aircraft.
The crew and the aircraft were detained by the Burnakinabe authorities for about 10 days before their eventual released on Wednesday.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
