Burkina Faso releases detained Nigerian air Force Aircraft, 11 crew members

By Bukola Hameed

Burkina Faso has released a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft and its 11 crew members following diplomatic engagements between both countries.

The NAF C-130 aircraft, which was on a ferry mission to Portugal, made a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso about two weeks ago after experiencing technical issues. The aircraft was carrying 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel at the time of the incident.

According to the NAF Director of Public Relations, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the crew landed at the nearest available airfield strictly for safety reasons, in line with international aviation protocols.

However, tensions arose after the leader of Mali’s junta, Colonel Assimi Goïta, speaking on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel States, described the precautionary landing as an “unfriendly act” allegedly carried out in violation of international law. Goïta warned that member states of the alliance would neutralize any aircraft deemed to have violated their airspace.

Despite the controversy, the Nigerian government confirmed on Wednesday night that the aircraft and all 11 personnel had been released.

The release followed a high-level diplomatic meeting in Ouagadougou between a Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Burkinabé junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The delegation was sent at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Tuggar disclosed that discussions centered on diplomatic relations and regional cooperation.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said: “Yes, they have been released.”