By Ebi Kesiena
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft carrying 11 crew members has taken off from Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the Nigerian Government disclosed on Friday.
The development comes after a successful diplomatic effort by the Embassy of Nigeria in Burkina Faso and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
The aircraft’s departure was confirmed in a brief statement from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, indicating that the crew have now left the junta-led country. “The aircraft is on ground in Accra, Ghana for a technical stopover. It will proceed tomorrow as planned to Portugal,” Ebienfa told journalists on Friday.
Recall that the mission’s objectives and further details about the aircraft’s cargo or the crew’s activities in Burkina Faso was faced with controversies following diplomatic disconnect.
The Embassy of Nigeria in Burkina Faso and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, have been credited for their efforts in facilitating the aircraft’s departure.
Corroborating the development, Nigerian Air Force in a statement on Friday by its spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that its C-130 aircraft, which made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, “departed this evening and arrived safely in Accra in line with updated flight plan, preparing for onward movement to Portugal via Banjul and Casablanca for its scheduled depot maintenance”.
“The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the concern and support expressed by members of the public and assures Nigerians that all personnel remain safe, the aircraft is serviceable, and the Service continues to operate to the highest standards of safety and professionalism,” the NAF added.
The Nigerian military has been involved in various regional operations, including counter-terrorism efforts in West Africa.
