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 final destination of its ferry flight.
The aircraft and its crew were previously detained in Burkina Faso on December 8 over alleged airspace violations, an incident the Burkinabe authorities described as a breach of sovereignty.
The personnel and aircraft were released about 10 days later, following diplomatic engagements led by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who met with Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traoré, and other top officials.
Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, the NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft arrived in Portugal after a successful ferry flight conducted in line with updated flight plans and standard 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 statement read.
“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 NAF also expressed appreciation to host authorities for their cooperation during the transit and reaffirmed its commitment to safety, professionalism, and operational accountability.