SUNTV Global Channel Report
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its C-130 military aircraft, earlier detained by authorities in Burkina Faso, has safely arrived in Portugal for scheduled maintenance.
According to the Air Force, the aircraft with registration number NAF 913 touched down at the OGMA maintenance facility in Lisbon on Friday, December 26, 2025, after completing a successful ferry flight conducted in line with international aviation safety standards.
Confirming the development, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the aircraft followed an approved and carefully coordinated route during its journey.
“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,” Ejodame stated.
He explained that the flight transited Banjul and Casablanca in accordance with an updated flight plan and established safety procedures, adding that the aircraft and crew encountered no challenges throughout the movement.
“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,” he said.
Ejodame also expressed appreciation to the authorities of countries along the flight route for their cooperation, reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to professionalism, safety, and operational accountability.
The aircraft had been held in Burkina Faso earlier this month over alleged airspace violations, which authorities in the country described as a breach of sovereignty on December 8. The crew and aircraft were reportedly released about ten days later following diplomatic engagements.
Those engagements included a high-level Nigerian delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, who met with Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré and other senior officials, leading to the resolution of the issue and the aircraft’s onward journey to Portugal.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that the successful arrival of the aircraft brings closure to the incident and allows the Nigerian Air Force to proceed with its planned maintenance operations.
