NAF Aircraft Seized by Burkina Faso Arrives in Portugal for Scheduled Maintenance

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its C-130 aircraft, with registration number NAF 913, has safely arrived at the OGMA maintenance facility in Lisbon, Portugal, for its Scheduled Depot Maintenance (SDM).

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, following weeks of diplomatic engagement over the aircraft’s earlier seizure in Burkina Faso.

According to the statement, the aircraft was released after the successful resolution of diplomatic and technical issues between Nigerian authorities and officials of Burkina Faso, paving the way for the continuation of its scheduled maintenance.

“The Nigerian Air Force confirms that the C-130 aircraft, NAF 913, has arrived safely at OGMA, Lisbon, Portugal, for its Scheduled Depot Maintenance,” the statement said.

The Air Force explained that the maintenance exercise is part of routine safety and operational procedures aimed at ensuring the aircraft remains airworthy and capable of supporting ongoing military and humanitarian operations.

NAF further appreciated the efforts of the Federal Government, the Ministry of Defence, and diplomatic missions involved in resolving the matter, noting that the development reflects Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining a strong and operationally ready air force.

The C-130 aircraft is a key asset in the Nigerian Air Force fleet, often deployed for troop movement, logistics support, humanitarian missions, and emergency operations across the country.

The Air Force assured Nigerians that it remains committed to safeguarding national security and sustaining the operational readiness of its platforms