The Federal Government has categorically rejected recent reports.
These reports claim that the Portuguese government summoned the Nigerian Acting Head of Mission in Lisbon.
The rumors are linked to the movement of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft. The plane was scheduled for maintenance in Europe.
Ministry Dismisses ‘Fake News’
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, addressed journalists in Abuja on Friday. He dismissed the claims circulating online as entirely baseless.
“The alleged summoning of the Nigerian Ambassador in Lisbon by Portuguese authorities over a Nigerian Air Force aircraft heading to Portugal for maintenance is fake news,” Ebienfa stated.
The Incident in Burkina Faso
This clarification follows heightened scrutiny regarding a NAF C-130 aircraft. The plane made an unplanned landing in Burkina Faso earlier this week.
The aircraft departed Lagos on December 8, 2025. It was en route to Portugal for scheduled maintenance.
However, the crew detected a technical issue shortly after takeoff. As a safety precaution, they diverted the plane to Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso.
Allegations of Airspace Violation
The Nigerian Air Force maintains that the diversion aligned strictly with international aviation protocols. However, authorities in Burkina Faso have taken a different stance.
Local reports indicate that the military aircraft was carrying 11 Nigerian soldiers. Authorities forced it to land for allegedly violating the country’s airspace.
The Confederation of Sahel States issued a strong statement regarding the incident. Investigators claimed there was an “absence of authorisation to fly over the territory of Burkina Faso for this military device.”
The regional bloc added that it “condemns with the utmost firmness this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states.”
Diplomatic Push
The situation has evolved into a diplomatic standoff. The detention of the aircraft and the 11 soldiers has now entered its fifth day.
Diplomatic channels remain active. Government officials are intensifying efforts to resolve the issue. They aim to secure the immediate release of both the personnel and the military asset.
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