The Federal Government has confirmed the release of a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft and 11 military personnel who were detained in Burkina Faso for nearly two weeks following a diplomatic intervention.
The confirmation was made late Wednesday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, who said both the aircraft and its crew have been freed after sustained high-level engagements.
The breakthrough followed a meeting in Ouagadougou between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yusuf Tuggar, and Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Tuggar, who acted as a special envoy on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, led a delegation comprising senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Air Force to resolve the matter through dialogue.
The aircraft, which was en route from Lagos to Portugal for scheduled maintenance, had made a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso after developing technical issues mid-flight, in line with international aviation safety procedures.
However, while Nigerian authorities described the landing as routine, the Confederation of Sahel States initially viewed the incident as a breach of airspace and an unfriendly act.
During the talks, Minister Tuggar conveyed Nigeria’s regret over any lapses related to airspace clearance and reaffirmed the country’s respect for Burkina Faso’s sovereignty.
The release of the aircraft and personnel has eased tensions between both countries, with agreements reached to enhance communication, sustain consultations, and strengthen security cooperation to avert similar incidents in the future.
