Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members nine days after their detention, following high-level diplomatic efforts by the Nigerian government. The development has eased tensions that risked escalating into a wider diplomatic dispute between the two West African neighbors.
The release followed a visit by a Nigerian delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar to Ouagadougou. The delegation, which included senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, and NAF Headquarters, engaged in talks with Burkina Faso’s military leader, President Ibrahim Traoré, aiming to resolve the matter through dialogue.
The Nigerian personnel were detained after a NAF C-130 aircraft made an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso without prior clearance to enter Burkina Faso’s airspace. Burkinabè authorities initially described the landing as a violation of sovereignty.
The Nigerian Air Force explained that the aircraft had to make a precautionary stop due to a technical issue, in line with standard safety protocols and international aviation procedures.
The incident raised concerns of a potential diplomatic standoff, particularly given the region’s heightened security challenges. Analysts had warned that the detention could have strained relations between the two countries if not carefully handled.
Speaking after the meetings, Minister Yusuf Tuggar emphasized the long-standing ties between Nigeria and Burkina Faso and noted the two countries face common security challenges. He said the discussions addressed cooperation across multiple sectors and specifically the emergency landing incident.
He acknowledged procedural lapses in the authorization process for the aircraft’s entry into Burkinabè airspace and expressed Nigeria’s regret, while reaffirming respect for Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and international aviation regulations.
Additionally, Tuggar distanced the Nigerian government from statements made by a political party official alleging mistreatment of the detained personnel, offering formal assurances regarding their safety and treatment during detention.
The release of the 11 NAF personnel marks a positive outcome in diplomatic engagement and highlights the importance of high-level dialogue in managing sensitive cross-border incidents. Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and regional security cooperation.
