- Kimiebi Ebienfa reports that the circulating online stories are false
- A NAF C-130 aircraft diverted to burkinafaso after a technical fault on its way to Portugal
- Nigeria Air Force says diversion follows safety protocols
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed reports claiming that Nigeria’s acting head of mission in Portugal was summoned by the Portuguese government over the movement of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft scheduled for maintenance in the country.
Eko Hot Blog reports that during a briefing with journalists in Abuja, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the online reports were completely false.
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He stated that the alleged summoning of the Nigerian ambassador in Lisbon by Portuguese authorities is fake news.
The clarification comes amid growing attention on the Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft that made an unplanned landing in burkaina faso earlier this week. The aircraft, which was heading to Portugal for scheduled maintenance, diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso after taking off from Lagos on December 8,2025.
Burkinafaso state media reported that the aircraft, carrying eleven Nigerian soldiers, was forced to land for allegedly violating the country’s airspace.
The Confederation of Sachel states also issued a statement saying investigators found that the aircraft lacked authorization to fly over Burkina Faso, adding that the bloc strongly condemns the violation of its airspace and sovereignty.
The Nigerian Air Force maintains that the diversion was carried out strictly in line with international aviation protocols to ensure safety.
Meanwhile, diplomatic engagement is ongoing as efforts intensify to secure the release of the detained soldiers and the aircraft, now held for the fifth day.
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