Online reports claiming that a Nigerian Air Force aircraft participated in a covert intelligence operation in Burkina Faso have been rejected by the Nigerian military, which characterized the claims as untrue, deceptive, and unfounded.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) was informed by a reliable military source that the aircraft was traveling to Portugal for planned depot maintenance on a ferry flight that was properly authorized.
The source claims that the aircraft was covered by all required flying papers, including provisions for diversion in accordance with international aviation rules, and that it had neither an operational mandate nor an intelligence tasking.
He clarified that, in accordance with accepted aviation procedures, the aircraft’s precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, was started only for safety.
“The aircraft was never forced to land, intercepted, or operated without permission. According to the source, allegations of hostile intent or airspace violations are untrue.
Allegations of espionage, signals intelligence operations, foreign funding, and external network involvement were also rejected by the military source.
He made it clear that the people on board were mission-support officials and regular Nigerian Air Force aircrew on a valid military air movement.
The communication between Burkinabe authorities and the NAF crew has remained professional, he continued. “The aircraft was not equipped with surveillance or data-collection systems of any kind.”
The source verified that the Nigerian Air Force had not produced an official statement stating that the crew had been freed, despite internet rumors to the contrary.
He claimed that in compliance with international standards and bilateral ties, pertinent Nigerian government ministries and agencies were appropriately handling issues pertaining to the aircraft and its personnel through established diplomatic channels.
According to the source, the reports’ purposeful dissemination was intended to damage Nigeria’s reputation, erode public confidence, and strain ties with other countries.
He advised Nigerians to maintain composure, trust reliable sources, and ignore dramatic stories that could misrepresent the facts and jeopardize regional stability.
“Citizens must engage national security matters with discernment and responsibility in an era of heightened information warfare,” the source stated.
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