Abuja: The Nigerian military has refuted claims that a Nigerian military aircraft was part of a covert intelligence operation in Burkina Faso, labeling the allegations as false and misleading.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a reliable source clarified that the aircraft was on an officially sanctioned ferry flight to Portugal for routine depot maintenance. This is a standard procedure in the lifecycle of military transport aircraft. The source emphasized that the aircraft was not on any operational task or intelligence mission and was fully compliant with all necessary flight documentation, including provisions for diversion in accordance with international aviation standards.
The precautionary landing at Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, was a safety measure adhering to established aviation protocols. The source stated that the aircraft was neither intercepted nor forced to land, and it operated with full authorization. Allegations of airspace violation or hostile intent were dismissed as fabrications.
The source also denied any involvement in espionage, signals intelligence operations, or external sponsorship. The personnel on board were identified as standard aircrew and mission-support officers conducting legitimate military air movement. The aircraft lacked any surveillance or data-collection equipment, and interactions with Burkinabe authorities were described as professional.
Contrary to online rumors, no official statement was released by the Nigerian Air Force regarding the crew’s release. Issues concerning the aircraft and its personnel are being managed by appropriate Nigerian government bodies through established diplomatic channels, respecting international norms and bilateral agreements.
The spread of these reports is seen as a disinformation campaign aimed at damaging Nigeria’s reputation, eroding public trust, and straining regional relations. The source urged Nigerians to remain calm, seek verified information, and dismiss sensational narratives that could distort facts and jeopardize regional stability.