The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that its C-130 aircraft, with registration number NAF 913, has successfully reached a maintenance facility in Lisbon, Portugal, which is its final destination.
It will be recalled that the aircraft and its crew were earlier detained in Burkina Faso on December 8, 2025, over alleged violations of the country’s airspace and sovereignty.
According to reports, the personnel were released about 10 days later following a high-level diplomatic engagement by a Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, with Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traoré, and senior government officials.
Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the aircraft arrived after a ferry flight conducted in line with an updated flight plan and aviation safety procedures.
“The Nigerian Air Force confirms that its C-130 aircraft (NAF 913) arrived safely at the maintenance facility, OGMA, in Lisbon, Portugal today, 26 December 2025.
“The ferry flight was successfully completed, transiting Banjul and Casablanca in line with an updated flight plan and established aviation safety procedures.
“The aircraft and crew arrived without incident, marking the final phase of the movement for the scheduled depot maintenance. All personnel are safe and remain in high spirits,” the statement read in part.
NAF expressed appreciation for the cooperation and support of the host authorities throughout the transit.
It reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of safety, professionalism and operational accountability.
