From Victor Osula, Abuja
Burkina Faso has released 11 personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) nine days after their detention, following intensive diplomatic engagements between the governments of Nigeria and Burkina Faso.
Tension escalating between the two countries after Burkina Faso, on December 8, forced a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 transport aircraft carrying 11 military personnel to land after it allegedly entered the country’s airspace without clearance.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, had said the aircraft, which was on a ferry mission to Portugal, made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso in line with global aviation safety protocols.
The airmen, comprising pilots and crew members, regained their freedom shortly after a high-level Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, concluded talks with Burkinabè authorities in Ouagadougou.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated that the release was the result of “sustained diplomatic engagement and dialogue at the highest levels.” He noted that the negotiations included a meeting with Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, during which Nigeria pressed for the immediate release of its detained personnel.
In a statement posted on X, Ebienfa explained that the Nigerian delegation clearly outlined the circumstances surrounding the flight and reassured the Burkinabè authorities of Nigeria’s respect for Burkina Faso’s sovereignty. He added that the matter was handled “in a spirit of African solidarity and mutual understanding.”
Speaking after the breakthrough, Tuggar described the release as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to diplomacy and regional cooperation. “We engaged our brothers in Burkina Faso frankly and constructively, and we are pleased that our personnel have now been released”, he said, stressing that Nigeria remains committed to resolving misunderstandings through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Burkinabè officials also acknowledged the discussions and agreed that sustained cooperation between both countries was vital, especially as Nigeria and Burkina Faso face common security challenges in the Sahel region.
The released Nigerian Air Force personnel are expected to return home after completing routine administrative procedures. Diplomatic sources have disclosed that both governments have agreed to strengthen communication channels and coordination mechanisms to prevent similar incidents from recurring in the future.
