The Nigerian soldiers released by authorities in Burkina Faso have arrived at an Air Force base in Accra, Ghana, ahead of their onward flight to Portugal.
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
Ejodame explained that the C-130 aircraft was travelling to Portugal for scheduled depot maintenance, with planned stopovers in Banjul and Casablanca. He assured the public that all crew members were safe and that the aircraft was fully serviceable.
“The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that its C-130 aircraft, which made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, has safely arrived in Accra, Ghana, ahead of its onward journey to Portugal,” he said.
He added that the NAF would continue to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism, thanking Nigerians for their concern and support during the incident.
The soldiers had been detained by Burkina Faso’s military junta after the aircraft made a forced landing in the Sahelian country. Burkina Faso has since released the Nigerian Air Force aircraft and the 11 personnel on board.
