A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft and its crew, recently released after being detained in Burkina Faso, have landed in Accra, Ghana, for a technical stopover.
The spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development on Friday, stating that the aircraft departed Bobo-Dioulasso earlier in the day and is scheduled to proceed to Portugal on Saturday.
“The Nigerian military aircraft and its 11 crew members have taken off from Bobo-Dioulasso. Commendations to the Embassy of Nigeria in Burkina Faso and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja,” Ebienfa said.
“The aircraft is currently on the ground in Accra, Ghana, for a technical stopover and will continue its journey to Portugal tomorrow as planned.”
The aircraft, carrying 11 Nigerian personnel, was en route to Portugal for scheduled maintenance when it made an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, on December 8, 2025. The landing was described as a precautionary measure following a technical issue.
The incident led to diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and Burkina Faso, as the aircraft and crew were detained by Burkinabe authorities for about 10 days before their release on Wednesday.