As the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130H aircraft, NAF 913, undergoes maintenance in Portugal, the Chief of Air Force Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has reaffirmed that the safety of personnel and the airworthiness of platforms remain paramount.

“We will continue to strengthen our maintenance culture and strategic partnerships to ensure that the Nigerian Air Force remains a highly professional, mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in support of national security objectives,” Aneke said.

He added that the ongoing efforts further demonstrate the Service’s commitment to preserving critical airlift capabilities and inspiring public confidence in the professionalism, resilience and technical competence of the Nigerian Air Force.

It will be recalled that the aircraft departed Nigeria on 8 December 2025, but made a precautionary stop in Burkina Faso after a technical concern was detected, then continued its journey via Accra, Banjul, and Casablanca before arriving at the OGMA maintenance facility in Portugal.

NAF had described the movement as a normal maintenance ferry mission, not an emergency loss of the aircraft. Officials said the crew acted in line with standard aviation safety procedures, and all personnel remained safe throughout the trip.

In a statement on Monday, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said that in spite of the unforeseen transit challenges, the Nigerian Air Force remained steadfast in ensuring that the aircraft reached its designated maintenance facility to undergo comprehensive inspections and maintenance in accordance with global best practices, underscoring the Service’s uncompromising commitment to safety, technical integrity and long-term operational effectiveness, placing premium importance on the safe and efficient employment of its air assets.

Ejodame said that the air chief directed a high-level Nigerian Air Force (NAF) delegation to Portugal to assess the ongoing Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of C-130H aircraft, NAF 913, reaffirming the Service’s unwavering commitment to aircraft safety, airworthiness and operational readiness.

The delegation, led by the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Samson Ogunsina, and accompanied by the Commander, 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Air Commodore Eric Kpokpogri, visited Messrs OGMA-Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal to evaluate progress on the maintenance programme and engage on measures to facilitate its timely completion.

The delegation conducted an extensive inspection of the ongoing maintenance activities and held strategic discussions with OGMA management on practical steps to optimise timelines and sustain momentum towards the aircraft’s return to service.

The engagement reflects the proactive approach of the current NAF leadership in ensuring close oversight of critical maintenance programmes and guaranteeing that all aircraft operate in accordance with the highest international standards of safety, reliability and airworthiness.

“Recognising the strategic importance of the platform to national and regional airlift operations, both parties reviewed measures aimed at sustaining progress on the maintenance programme and facilitating the aircraft’s timely return to service,” Ejodame said.