The aircraft, NAF 913, reached a maintenance facility in Lisbon after completing a ferry flight conducted in line with aviation safety procedures, according to the Air Force.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that one of its C-130 aircraft, earlier detained in Burkina Faso, has safely arrived in Portugal for scheduled maintenance.
The aircraft, NAF 913, reached a maintenance facility in Lisbon after completing a ferry flight conducted in line with aviation safety procedures, according to the Air Force.
In a statement issued on Friday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame confirmed the development, saying,
“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.”
He explained that the aircraft followed an approved route during the journey, noting that, “The ferry flight was successfully completed, transiting Banjul and Casablanca in line with an updated flight plan and established aviation safety procedures.”
Ejodame added that there were no issues during the movement, stating, “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 also acknowledged the role of authorities along the route, saying, “The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the cooperation and support of host authorities throughout the transit, while reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of safety, professionalism and operational accountability.”
The aircraft and its personnel had earlier been detained in Burkina Faso over alleged airspace violations, which authorities in the country described as a breach of sovereignty on December 8. Reports indicated that the crew and aircraft were released about 10 days later following diplomatic engagements.
Those engagements included a high-level Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who met Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré and other senior officials, paving the way for the release and onward movement of the aircraft to its final destination in Portugal.