ABUJA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian military on Tuesday refuted media reports stating that local authorities detained some personnel and crew after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft was recently forced to land in Burkina Faso.
In a statement, NAF spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame said the C-130 transport aircraft made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, on Monday after the crew detected a technical concern shortly after takeoff from Lagos.
The aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal for scheduled maintenance when the crew opted to divert in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols, he said.
According to the spokesperson, the aircrew landed safely and had since received cordial support from the Burkinabe authorities, adding that plans were ongoing to resume the mission once technical checks were completed.
"The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to strict compliance with operational and safety standards while ensuring the protection of its personnel in the discharge of its constitutional duties," he added.
Earlier on Tuesday, local media reports accused Nigeria of "violating the airspace of Burkina Faso," after a military aircraft made an emergency landing in the country on Monday, citing a statement by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The AES, a confederation constituted by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, alleged that the aircraft carried two crew members and nine passengers, all of whom were military personnel. ■