The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has refuted claims circulating on social media that its C-130 aircraft, currently held in Burkina Faso, was forced to land due to suspicions of espionage. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame stated that these allegations are entirely false and misleading.

In a statement titled “False Claims Debunked As Facts Emerge On Nigerian Military Aircraft Ferry Flight And Precautionary Landing in Burkina Faso,” Ejodame clarified that the aircraft was on an authorized ferry flight to Portugal for scheduled maintenance. He emphasized that the flight adhered to international aviation procedures and was supported by necessary documentation.

The precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso was made for safety reasons and did not involve any interception or unauthorized operation. Ejodame condemned the rumors of espionage and claims that the crew members were intelligence officers as fabrications designed to misinform the public.

The eleven crew members aboard were part of a standard aircrew responsible for a legitimate military operation, not involved in any intelligence activities. Ejodame reassured the public that the interactions between the Burkinabe authorities and the NAF crew were professional, and the crew had maintained contact with their families.

The NAF called for the public to rely on verified information, cautioning against the spread of sensational claims that could threaten regional stability. They urged citizens to engage responsibly with national security matters and to support established institutions working in the nation’s interest.