UPDATE: ‘DETAINED’ C-130H AIRCRAFT WAS ENROUTE PORTUGAL BEFORE TECHNICAL ISSUES – DEFENCE MINISTRY & AIRFORCE CLARIFY
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By ‘Leke Yusuf
Sources within the Nigerian Ministry of Defence have disclosed that the C-130H aircraft, earlier detained by Burkina Faso for violating its airspace, was enroute Portugal for a Post Depot Maintenance (PDM) check.
The source said, “our C-130H Aircraft was scheduled to go to Portugal for PDM (Post Depot Maintenance) which on it way has a Technical issues that can only be attended on ground and the closest Aerodrome was Burkina Faso, that was the reason behind the landing there.
“All issues have been diplomatically settled since yesterday and our crew were to proceed with their journey as maintenance work is completed.”
Also, in a statement signed by Ehimen Ejodame, director of public relations at NAF, the air force said the C-130 aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal.
“Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols,” the statement reads.
“NAF crew is safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities.”
“The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate.”
On Monday evening, Nigeria was accused of violation of airspace by the Alliance for Sahel States (AES) after a Nigerian military transport aircraft made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso.
In a statement issued on Monday, the confederation constituted by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic, said the aircraft carried two crew members and nine passengers, all of whom were military personnel.
According to the statement, the aircraft, identified as a C130 belonging to the Nigerian Air Force, touched down in Bobo Dioulasso, a major city in the south-west of the country, during an in-flight emergency while transiting Burkinabè airspace.
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