By Sabiu Abdullahi
Nigerian soldiers who were earlier held by authorities in Burkina Faso have arrived at an Air Force base in Accra, Ghana, as arrangements continue for their onward movement to Portugal.
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed the development in a statement released on Friday in Abuja.
According to Ejodame, the Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft was already scheduled to travel to Portugal for depot maintenance, with stopovers planned in Banjul and Casablanca. He added that the aircraft and its crew remained in good condition.
“The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, 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,” Ejodame said.
He reassured Nigerians that safety standards were fully observed throughout the incident.
“We will continue to operate to the highest standards of safety and professionalism. We thank Nigerians for their concern and support during the precautionary event,” Ejodame said.
The soldiers were detained after the aircraft made a forced landing in Burkina Faso, which led to their temporary holding by the ruling junta in the Sahel country.
Burkina Faso has since released the Nigerian Air Force aircraft along with 11 personnel, bringing the incident to a close as the crew proceeds with its planned mission.