The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the safe arrival of its C-130 aircraft, NAF 913, at a maintenance facility in Lisbon, Portugal, marking the successful completion of its journey following its earlier detention in Burkina Faso.
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement on Friday that the aircraft arrived safely in Portugal after a ferry flight conducted in line with updated flight plans and established aviation safety procedures.
It said aircraft and its crew were detained by Burkinabe authorities on December 8 over alleged airspace violations, which Burkina Faso described as a breach of its sovereignty.
The personnel were later released about 10 days after a high-level Nigerian delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, held diplomatic engagements with Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traore.
According to the statement, the aircraft transited through Banjul, The Gambia, and Casablanca, Morocco, before arriving at the OGMA maintenance facility in Lisbon on December 26, 2025.
“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 statement read.
“The ferry flight was successfully completed in accordance 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 NAF also expressed appreciation to the host authorities involved in the aircraft’s transit, reaffirming its commitment to safety, professionalism, and operational accountability.
