Nigerian Air Force Confirms C-130 Aircraft Detained In Burkina Faso Has Safely Arrived Portugal For Maintenance

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its C-130 aircraft, NAF 913, earlier detained in Burkina Faso over alleged airspace violations, has safely arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, for scheduled depot maintenance. According to NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft completed a ferry flight on December 26, 2025, transiting through Banjul and Casablanca in line with approved flight plans and aviation safety procedures. He noted that the aircraft and crew arrived without incident and remain in high spirits. The detention, which lasted about 10 days, was resolved following diplomatic engagements led by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, including talks with Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré, paving the way for the aircraft’s release and onward journey.

AFCON 2025: Morocco Opens Stadium Gates for Free After Kick-Off as Empty Seats Embarrass Organisers

Organisers of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco have come under criticism after resorting to opening stadium gates for free entry once matches were already underway, in a bid to mask embarrassingly low attendance figures during the tournament’s early stages. The move, confirmed by a senior Confederation of African Football (CAF) official speaking anonymously, was jointly approved by CAF and local organisers following repeated scenes of half-empty stadiums across host cities.

One of the most striking incidents occurred during the Group F match between Cameroon and Gabon in Agadir, where the game kicked off in front of largely deserted stands despite the stadium’s 45,000 capacity. Heavy rainfall further dampened turnout, but around 20 minutes into the match, gates were thrown open, allowing thousands of fans to enter without paying. This decision dramatically inflated the final attendance figure to 35,200, according to organisers.

A similar scenario played out in Rabat during the Group D clash between DR Congo and Benin, where official attendance figures were initially announced as 6,703 before being quietly revised to 13,073 after large numbers of unpaid spectators filled the stadium mid-match. These discrepancies have raised serious questions about the credibility of official attendance data released by tournament organisers.

Critics argue that the strategy prioritises optics over transparency, as organisers scramble to present AFCON 2025 as a successful continental showpiece. The controversy is particularly sensitive given Morocco’s ambition to bolster its global sporting reputation ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. Despite tickets for most group-stage matches remaining widely available — starting from 100 dirhams — only a handful of fixtures involving Morocco and Algeria have sold out. Observers warn that the free-entry approach risks revenue losses, undermines tournament integrity, and could damage confidence in CAF’s event management standards going forward.

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‎NAF C-130 FERRY FLIGHT LANDS SAFELY IN BANJUL EN ROUTE TO PORTUGAL FOR DEPOT MAINTENANCE
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‎The Nigerian Air Force had confirmed that its C-130 aircraft, which earlier made a precautionary landing during a ferry flight, has successfully continued its journey and landed safely in Banjul, The Gambia.
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This is after transiting Accra in line with an updated flight plan, routing through Casablanca to Portugal for scheduled depot maintenance.
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A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame indicates that the Ferry flights for aircraft programmed for maintenance are required to operate through designated airfields, with movements appropriately spaced in accordance with established aviation safety procedures.
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‎All personnel are safe and the aircraft remains serviceable.
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‎The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the host authorities in Ghana, The Gambia, and other countries overflown for the kind support extended to the crew, and also acknowledges the concern and goodwill expressed by Nigerians.
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‎The Service reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of safety and professionalism in all operations.

Nigerian Pilots and Crew Released in Burkina Faso, Head to Portugal

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has announced the release and departure of the pilots and crew of the Nigerian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft (NAF 913) that had been detained in Burkina Faso.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Ambassador Tuggar confirmed that following engagement in Burkina Faso, the pilots and crew of NAF C-130 (913) have been formally cleared to depart and are currently en route to Portugal via Accra.

The minister highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to dialogue and regional cooperation, stating that these efforts continue to yield positive outcomes.

Ambassador Tuggar paid glowing tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and steady guidance which he said proved decisive in resolving the matter through constructive diplomacy and peaceful engagement.

Freed Nigerian Air Force Officer Attributes Emergency Landing in Burkina Faso to Technical Fault

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officer, one of 11 personnel recently detained in Burkina Faso, confirmed that their aircraft made an emergency landing in the West African country due to a technical fault, not a hostile act. The aircraft, en route to Portugal, was successfully repaired, allowing operations to continue. The soldiers were released following high-level diplomatic intervention led by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, conveying a message from President Bola Tinubu. Discussions with Burkina Faso’s military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, focused on technical assistance, regional security, and cooperation, easing a potential diplomatic standoff.

Portuguese Police Seize €5 Million From Private Jet Carrying Wife of Ousted Guinea-Bissau President

Portuguese Judicial Police seized €5 million in cash from a private jet arriving from Guinea-Bissau at Lisbon’s Figo Maduro Airport. The jet carried the wife of ousted Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and a close associate, who was arrested on suspicion of smuggling and money laundering. Authorities believe the funds were being transported to sustain the former president’s family lifestyle abroad. Embaló, removed from office in November 2025, is reported to be considering seeking political asylum in Portugal.

Nigerian Air Force Denies Spy Mission Claims, Clarifies Details of Seized C-130 Aircraft and Crew in Burkina Faso

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has refuted allegations that one of its C-130 aircraft, which was detained in Burkina Faso, was involved in a covert espionage mission. According to a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft was on a routine ferry flight to Portugal for scheduled maintenance and was not conducting any intelligence operations.

The NAF clarified that the aircraft made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following standard aviation protocols, and was not intercepted or forced to land. It further rejected claims that the 11 crew members on board were intelligence officers or involved in espionage.

The NAF stressed that the crew’s detention was being handled through diplomatic channels, and emphasized the importance of relying on verified information to avoid the spread of misleading narratives that could harm Nigeria’s regional relations and national cohesion.

Update: Burkina Faso has now moved the 11 detained Nigerian Soldiers into isolated detention.

Apparently, the Nigerian government has been unable to formally prove to the Junta that the C-130 Aircraft was indeed flying to Portugal.

The Junta suspects the aircraft was a spill from the ones deployed to thwart the Benin Coup, as alleged by sources close to the story.

In December 2023, Burkina Faso arrested 4 French nationals in Ouagadougou and accused them of espionage (spies). The French government denied they were DGSE spies (Direction générale de la sécurité extérieure)

The Junta demanded €150M and some equipments in exchange for their release.

After prolonged negotiations and mediation by Morocco. The Burkinabè government finally released them exactly one year later in December of 2024 after a reported payment of €60M handled by the Moroccan government.

France however denied making any payment up till date.

But reports in the francophone countries insist the Burkinabè government were indeed compensated with €60M and some heavy artillery equipments.

As it stands, the Burkinabè are ready to strech it to their favour, unless the Nigerian Government accelerate talks.

Breaking:

Portugal has summoned the Nigerian ambassador in Lisbon for urgent clarifications after Portuguese authorities stated they had no prior knowledge of any scheduled Nigerian Air Force aircraft heading to Portugal. The move comes amid reports of a Nigerian military C-130 transport plane being detained (elsewhere) while reportedly en route to Portugal for maintenance. Lisbon seeks to understand the purpose and authorization of the flight.

Burkina Faso Releases 11 Nigerian Officers After ‘Unauthorized’ Air Force Landing Sparks Diplomatic Tension

Burkina Faso has freed 11 Nigerian military officers detained after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made what the junta described as an “unauthorised” landing in Bobo-Dioulasso. While Nigeria maintained that the stop was a technical emergency en route to Portugal, Burkina Faso insisted the aircraft violated its airspace without clearance, prompting a rapid security response. The Alliance of Sahel States—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—condemned the incident as an “unfriendly act” and placed their air forces on maximum alert. Despite the fiery rhetoric, Burkinabè officials later questioned and cleared the officers, who have since returned home. The episode adds to rising tensions between Nigeria and the Sahel juntas amid widening regional security and political rifts.

BREAKING NEWS: The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to clarify reports regarding the diversion of a NAF C-130 aircraft during its ferry mission to Portugal on 8 December 2025. Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. NAF crew is safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities.

Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate.

Ehimen Ejodame
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information,
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force

He escaped prison, hijacked a plane… and vanished for 40 years.

The Outlaw Who Refused to Be Caught — George Edward Wright

New Jersey.
A 19-year-old makes a terrible decision — a robbery that ends in a man’s death.
The court gives him 30 years.
George Edward Wright walks into prison with his entire youth already stolen.

But Wright isn’t built for cages.

Eight years later — 1970 —
he pulls off a daring prison escape, disappearing so completely
his guards only find an empty cell where he once slept.

America’s search begins.
No clues.
No sign.
Just silence.

Until the silence explodes.

The Hijacking That Shocked the World

September 1972.
A Delta DC-8 lifts off with 86 passengers…
and five members of the Black Liberation Army on board.

Wright is one of them.

Mid-air, they take the plane.
Hostages cry.
The crew freezes.
The hijackers demand $1 million —
but with one bizarre twist:

The FBI agent delivering the ransom
must show up in nothing but a swimsuit
so he can’t hide a gun.

The world stares, stunned.
The authorities obey.

Under the nose of the FBI,
the hijackers escape to Algeria —
and for the second time,
George Wright slips through America’s fingers.

The Ghost Life

One by one, his partners are caught.
Wright?
He becomes a shadow.

New country.
New name.
New life.

He drifts across borders, unseen —
until finally settling in Portugal,
married, a father, living in a quiet seaside town
where neighbors know him simply as the man who tended his garden.

Four decades.
No arrests.
No trials.
No spotlight.

Just a fugitive life lived in calm daylight.

The Final Twist

In 2011, the FBI finds him.
Handcuffs click shut —
the United States demands him back.

But Portugal looks at the case, the paperwork, his citizenship…
and says no.

No extradition.
No return to prison.
No undoing the life he built.

George Edward Wright walks free.

He spent 40 years outrunning the law…
and somehow, the law finally stopped running after him.

Guinea-Bissau’s military has taken over the government, appointing General Horta N’Tam as leader for one year after overthrowing President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and suspending election results. Soldiers have shut down media, imposed a curfew, and briefly closed borders. The military claims it acted to stop a plot involving “drug lords” aimed at destabilising the country. Several top officials, including the president and opposition leader Domingos Pereira, have been arrested. ECOWAS, the UN, and Portugal have condemned the coup as the region faces a growing wave of military takeovers.

Ronaldo Confirms 2026 World Cup Will Be His Last.

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage, marking the closing chapter of a legendary career. The 40-year-old star revealed he is likely to retire from football in “one or two years.”

Speaking via video at a global tourism and investment forum in Saudi Arabia, he was asked if the 2026 World Cup would be his last. Ronaldo responded: “Definitely, yes. I’m going to be 41 years old, and I think it will be the moment.”

With a light smile, he joked: “Soon for me means in 10 years… No, I’m joking.”
He added, “I feel very good at this moment. I score goals, and I still feel quick and sharp. But let’s be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years.”

Ronaldo, who has scored over 950 career goals, emphasized his satisfaction with his journey, especially since joining Al Nassr in 2023.

“I gave everything for football. I’ve been in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything, I have many records in different scenarios at clubs and also with the national team. I’m really proud. So let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.”
He also spoke about his son, Cristiano Jr., currently with Portugal’s U-16 team:
“As human beings, we don’t always want anyone to be better than us. But I wish my kids would be better than me… Be happy, be free. Don’t be under the pressure of your daddy… I will be his support.”

Ronaldo hopes to play in a sixth World Cup. His closest attempt to win came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals. The national team can secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a win over Ireland this week.

Amorim cannot work miracles at Man Utd – Cristiano Ronaldo.

Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has said that Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim cannot work miracles in the Premier League.

Amorim finally led United to three consecutive wins for the first time since his appointment in November 2024. However, that run came to an end last weekend when they drew 2-2 at Nottingham Forest.

It has been a turbulent year for the Portuguese coach, as Manchester United recorded their worst-ever Premier League finish last season, ending 14th and trophyless after losing the Europa League final, thereby missing out on European competition this season.

While United have shown positive signs recently, Ronaldo still has reservations about the club’s current situation.

“He’s [Amorim] doing his best,” said Ronaldo, speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored.

“What are you gonna do? Miracles? Miracles are impossible. We say in Portugal, miracles are only in Fatima.

You’re not gonna do miracles. Even the players. Manchester United have good players, but then some of them don’t have the mind, what is Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo leapfrogs Boniface, Osimhen, Messi, and others to become football’s first billionaire after mega Al-Nassr deal

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become football’s first-ever billionaire, with his net worth now estimated at a staggering £1.04 billion, according to financial analysts at Bloomberg.

The 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward reached the milestone after his career earnings, endorsement deals, and investments were evaluated and adjusted for tax rates and market performance. Bloomberg reported that Ronaldo’s lucrative stint in Saudi Arabia has “catapulted him to the top of the global sports rich list,” making him the first footballer to appear on their Billionaires Index.

Ronaldo’s wealth now far surpasses that of his long-time rival Lionel Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in the United States.

A major contributor to Ronaldo’s fortune is his lifetime partnership with Nike, valued at around £745 million, alongside other endorsements with global brands like Tag Heuer, Armani, PokerStars, Samsung, Unilever, and Louis Vuitton.

The Portuguese superstar is also investing heavily in luxury real estate, including a £28 million mansion complex in his home country. He is often seen flaunting high-end jewellery and watches, among them a Franck Muller Invisible Baguette Diamonds Imperial Tourbillon worth £1.13 million.

At Al-Nassr, Ronaldo earns a jaw-dropping £167.9 million per year — roughly £300 per minute,though he recently confessed he’d prefer to play solely for Portugal. In addition to his record-breaking contract, Ronaldo reportedly holds a stake in Al-Nassr, further boosting his immense fortune.

Ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai is dead.

Former Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, is dead.
Rufai passed away on Thursday after battling with prolonged illness. He was 61 years.
Dodomayana, as he is fondly called, was widely regarded as of the best goalkeepers Nigeria has produced.
During his playing career that lasted two decades, Rufai played in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
He also represented Nigeria at two World Cups and as many Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Rufai’s death comes on a day the world of football is mourning Liverpool forward, Diogo Jota.
Jota died in a car crash in Spain earlier in the day, alongside his brother.

TRAGEDY: LIVERPOOL'S DIOGO JOTA IS DEAD.

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a car crash, aged 28.

The Portugal forward's brother Andre Silva also died in the accident, which took place in the Spanish province of Zamora.

The 26-year-old was also a professional footballer, with Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel.

Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he has three children, just last month.

He recently posted pictures on social media of the ceremony, which took place on 22 June.

Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League title last season before helping Portugal win the Nations League final in June

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH NARENDRA MODI, VICTIMS OF AIR INDIA

President Bola Tinubu extends heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government, and the people of the Republic of India following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad.

The plane carried two pilots, 10 cabin crew, 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

President Tinubu expresses deep sorrow over the tragic incident and offers prayers for the families of the victims, the injured, and the entire Indian nation during this moment of grief.

The President also commiserates with the leaders of Great Britain, Portugal, and Canada over losing their nationals on the ill-fated flight.

"The tragedy of Air India reminds us, once again, of the fragility of life and the common bond of humanity that holds us together."At this moment of sorrow and pain, Nigeria stands in solidarity with our friend, brother and partner, Narendra Modi, and the people of India. Nigeria also deeply sympathises with the families and friends of other victims on board the aircraft,'' President Tinubu says.

President Tinubu commends the swift response of the emergency agencies in India and expresses his confidence in their capacity and compassion to make a difference in the complicated situation.

The President prays that the Almighty God will receive the souls of the departed and comfort their families.

Portugal left-back Nuno Mendes proudly claimed he “shut down” Lamine Yamal as they defeated Spain to win the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday.

#NunoMendes #Portugal #LamineYamal #UEFANationsLeague #FootballFinal