The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its C-130 transport aircraft, NAF 913, has landed safely in Lisbon, Portugal, for scheduled depot maintenance.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Air Force said the aircraft departed Nigeria on a planned ferry flight with stopovers in Banjul, The Gambia, and Casablanca, Morocco, before arriving at the OGMA aviation maintenance facility in Alverca, near Lisbon.
According to the NAF, both the aircraft and its crew arrived in good condition, with the operation carried out in strict compliance with established aviation safety and operational procedures.
“The ferry flight was executed in line with all relevant safety and operational standards. All personnel involved remain safe, healthy and in high spirits,” the statement said.
The Air Force commended authorities in the host countries for their cooperation, describing the smooth transit as a reflection of strong professional and diplomatic engagements.
NAF reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, professionalism and operational accountability, noting that routine and scheduled maintenance is critical to keeping its fleet mission-ready.
It explained that sending the aircraft to Portugal is part of a broader fleet sustainment strategy aimed at ensuring key platforms remain reliable and capable of supporting ongoing air operations nationwide.
“The scheduled depot maintenance is essential to sustaining operational effectiveness and extending the service life of the aircraft,” the statement added.
The Air Force also clarified that the successful arrival of NAF 913 followed the conclusion of diplomatic engagements that facilitated its onward movement after an earlier emergency landing in Burkina Faso.
