The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has stated that its aircraft that landed in Burkina Faso Monday night did so for safety reasons and “in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.
In a Tuesday statement by its spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, the air force said the crew of the NAF C-130 aircraft “observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield.
Newsmen reports that Burkina Faso and its two allies in the AES had accused the Nigerian aircraft of violating Burkina Faso’s airspace.
There were also online claims that the Nigerian crew in the aircraft had been arrested.
However, Mr Ejodame, an air commodore, said the “NAF crew is safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities.
He said the crew will soon continue with its original mission to Portugal.PT