In a statement on Tuesday, NAF spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame said the aircraft’s crew detected a technical concern shortly after takeoff from Lagos, prompting a precautionary diversion to the nearest suitable airfield “in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.”
The transport aircraft, on a ferry mission to Portugal, had aboard two crew members and nine military passengers. Its unexpected landing sparked a swift reaction from the AES—comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—which characterised the diversion as an infringement of sovereignty and a breach of aviation norms. The bloc claimed the aircraft lacked the required clearance to enter or transit Burkinabè airspace.
AES Tensions Add Political Weight to Incident
The incident comes at a sensitive time in regional diplomacy. The AES states, all under military rule, formally withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January 2025 after months of disputes over sanctions and governance standards.
Nigeria, as ECOWAS’ largest member and a vocal critic of the coups, plays a central role in the bloc’s engagement with the Sahel states—making the AES accusation particularly politically charged.
According to the alliance, the emergency landing constituted not just a procedural violation but an act undermining its national sovereignty. Analysts note that such tensions are heightened by the bloc’s ongoing rift with ECOWAS and its suspicion toward countries perceived as aligned with the regional body.
NAF: Safety Protocols Take Precedence
The Nigerian Air Force, however, maintains that the diversion was purely procedural. Ejodame emphasised that the aircraft followed established international aviation norms by diverting to the nearest safe location after detecting the technical issue.
“Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso,” the statement said. NAF added that preparations are underway to continue the ferry mission once the aircraft is cleared.
Nigeria also reiterated its commitment to operational transparency and strict adherence to global aviation standards.
Presidential Aide Dismisses AES Claims
Responding to the controversy, Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, criticised Burkina Faso’s reaction, describing it as part of a “typical silly propaganda playbook.”
Ajayi stressed that the landing was standard practice:
“Nigerian Air Force military transport planes only made an emergency landing due to technical concerns. It is a standard military and civil aviation practice.”
What Next?
With the aircraft awaiting clearance and diplomatic channels likely engaged behind the scenes, the episode highlights the deepening mistrust between Nigeria and the Sahel juntas.
As the AES continues to harden its posture against ECOWAS and its leading members, even routine aviation incidents risk becoming catalysts for further geopolitical strain in the region.