The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has strongly denied allegations that its C-130 aircraft, currently being held in Burkina Faso, was engaged in espionage activities. The aircraft, which made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, was on a routine ferry flight to Portugal for scheduled maintenance, according to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
In a statement, Ejodame described claims of espionage and airspace violation as “entirely false, misleading, and unsupported by facts.” He emphasized that the aircraft was on a legitimate military air movement, with standard aircrew and mission-support officers on board, and was not equipped with surveillance or data-collection systems.
The NAF also dismissed reports that the 11 crew members and engineering personnel on board were intelligence officers or specialists trained in espionage activities. The authorities are working through diplomatic channels to resolve the situation, and the crew has made contact with their families.
The Nigerian government has urged the public to disregard sensational claims and rely on verified information, stating that the circulation of false narratives is a deliberate effort to discredit Nigeria and undermine regional relations.
