Burkina Faso’s government says a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying 11 military personnel was forced to land in the country after allegedly entering its airspace without approval.
The incident was first reported by the Agence d’Information du Burkina, which released a statement from the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).
According to the translated statement, “The Confederation of Sahel States informs the public that a C130 aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to land today, December 8, 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency while operating in Burkinabe airspace. The military aircraft had two (2) crew members and nine (9) passengers on board, all military personnel.”
Burkinabe authorities, after carrying out an investigation, “highlighted the absence of authorisation to fly over the territory of Burkina Faso for this military device,” the AES added.
The group described the episode as a breach of sovereignty, noting that it “condemns with the utmost firmness this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member States.”
It also warned that “air and anti-aircraft defences of the Confederate space put on maximum alert…were authorised to neutralise any aircraft that would violate the Confederate space.”
As of now, there has been no response from the Nigerian Air Force or the Federal Government.
Recall the Nigerian government sent troops to aid in the restoration of order and democracy following a coup attempt in Benin Republic.
It’s unclear if the issue with Burkina Faso has any connection with the operations in Benin.
