AES, Nigeria Exchange Statements After NAF Aircraft’s Emergency Landing in Burkina Faso

Tensions rose briefly between Nigeria and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso on December 8, 2025. The aircraft, a C-130 carrying 11 Nigerian soldiers, diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso following what NAF described as a “technical concern.”

AES, made up of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger had earlier accused Nigeria of violating Burkina Faso’s airspace. In a statement signed by Mali’s junta leader, Assimi Goita, and read live by Mali’s Minister of Security and Civil Protection, Daoud Aly Mohamedine, the bloc said the military aircraft did not have the required clearance to fly over Burkinabe territory. AES condemned what it called a breach of its sovereignty and announced that its air and anti-aircraft defence units were placed on maximum alert, with authorisation to “neutralise” any unauthorised aircraft entering its airspace.

“The investigation highlighted the lack of authorisation to fly over Burkinabe territory,” AES said, describing the incident as an unfriendly act contrary to international aviation rules.

Responding to the claims, the Nigerian Air Force said the diversion complied fully with global aviation standards. NAF spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame explained that the aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal when the crew detected a technical issue shortly after taking off from Lagos.

“Following takeoff, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols,” Ejodame said in a statement. He confirmed that all crew members were safe and had received “cordial treatment” from Burkinabe authorities.

NAF added that plans were underway for the aircraft to resume its mission and reaffirmed its commitment to strict operational and safety standards.

The incident sparked concerns about a possible diplomatic row, especially after AES’s strong-worded directive empowering its member states to neutralise any aircraft deemed to be violating confederal airspace. However, both sides have stopped short of escalating the matter publicly, and the situation appears to be stabilising as Nigeria continues engagements to complete its flight mission.