Table of Contents
- Refutation of Summons
- Statement from the Spokesperson
- Aircraft Incident Overview
- Burkina Faso's Report
- Response from Regional Authorities
- Nigerian Air Force's Position
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied reports that the Nigerian Acting Head of Mission in Portugal was called in by the Portuguese government regarding the movement of a Nigerian Air Force plane scheduled for maintenance in the European nation.
The ministry's spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, made this clarification while speaking to reporters on Friday in Abuja, labeling the circulating claims as completely false.
“The purported summoning of the Nigerian Ambassador in Lisbon by Portuguese officials concerning a Nigerian Air Force aircraft traveling to Portugal for maintenance is misinformation,” he stated.
This clarification follows increased scrutiny of the C-130 aircraft that made an unscheduled landing in Burkina Faso earlier this week.
DAILY POST recalls that the aircraft, which was headed to Portugal for regular maintenance, landed in Bobo-Dioulasso after the crew identified a technical problem shortly after departing from Lagos on December 8, 2025.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso’s state-run Agence d’Information du Burkina reported that the military aircraft, which was carrying 11 Nigerian soldiers, was compelled to land for allegedly breaching the country’s airspace.
A statement from the Confederation of Sahel States indicated that investigators pointed out the lack of authorization for the military aircraft to fly over Burkina Faso’s territory.
It further stated that the regional bloc strongly condemns this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member nations.
The Nigerian Air Force has asserted that the aircraft diverted strictly in accordance with international aviation protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the Nigerian Ambassador summoned by the Portuguese government?
No, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that reports of the Nigerian Ambassador being summoned by the Portuguese government are false.
What incident occurred with the C-130 aircraft?
The C-130 aircraft, which was en route to Portugal for maintenance, made an unscheduled landing in Burkina Faso due to a technical issue detected shortly after takeoff from Lagos.
How many soldiers were on board the aircraft?
The military aircraft was carrying 11 Nigerian soldiers at the time of the incident.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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