The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its C-130 aircraft, NAF 913, has safely arrived at a maintenance facility in Lisbon, Portugal, marking the final leg of its movement for scheduled depot maintenance.
The aircraft had earlier been detained in Burkina Faso on December 8, 2025, alongside its crew, following allegations of airspace violation and breach of sovereignty. The personnel were later released about 10 days after a high-level Nigerian delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, met with Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traoré, and senior government officials.
Aircraft Completes Ferry Flight Safely
Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the aircraft arrived in Portugal after a ferry flight conducted in line with updated flight plans and established aviation safety procedures.
According to the statement, the C-130 aircraft transited through Banjul and Casablanca before arriving at OGMA, the designated maintenance facility in Lisbon.
“The Nigerian Air Force confirms that its C-130 aircraft (NAF 913) arrived safely at the maintenance facility, OGMA, in Lisbon, Portugal, today, December 26, 2025,” the statement read.
“The ferry flight was successfully completed in line with updated flight plans and aviation safety procedures. The aircraft and crew arrived without incident, marking the final phase of the movement for scheduled depot maintenance.”
Personnel Safe, NAF Reaffirms Commitment
The NAF confirmed that all personnel involved in the operation are safe and in good condition.
The Air Force also expressed appreciation to host authorities for their cooperation and support throughout the transit process.
It further reaffirmed its commitment to the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and operational accountability, noting that the successful completion of the flight reflects strict adherence to international aviation protocols.
The development brings closure to the incident involving the temporary detention of the aircraft and crew, as the Nigerian Air Force proceeds with its planned maintenance programme.
