Burkina Faso Releases Detained Nigerian Military Personnel After Diplomatic Talks

Eleven Nigerian military personnel detained in Burkina Faso after an emergency aircraft landing have been released following diplomatic engagements between both countries.

The Nigerian officials were aboard a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft that made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso last week and were subsequently held by Burkinabe authorities over alleged violations of the country’s airspace. Their release on Wednesday night came about nine days after their detention.

The spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development, stating that the soldiers were freed after a high-level Nigerian delegation visited Burkina Faso. The delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who held talks with Burkinabe government officials to resolve the matter.

In a statement issued by the minister’s spokesperson, Alkasim Abdulkadir, both governments confirmed that the issue had been amicably settled. The statement noted that the resolution reflected constructive engagement between the two countries and underscored the effectiveness of dialogue in addressing sensitive diplomatic issues.

The detention followed claims by the Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, that Nigeria violated Burkina Faso’s airspace. The group argued that the aircraft’s emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, a city in southwestern Burkina Faso, constituted an infringement of national sovereignty.

The Nigerian Air Force rejected the allegation, explaining that the aircraft made a precautionary landing due to a technical issue and in line with international aviation safety protocols. According to the Air Force, the crew detected a technical concern that required an immediate landing at the nearest available airfield. The aircraft was reportedly en route to Portugal at the time.

Minister Tuggar had earlier stated that the incident was unrelated to Nigeria’s position on the recent military coup in Benin and confirmed that diplomatic efforts were ongoing while the soldiers were still in detention. He emphasized that the situation was being handled through diplomatic channels to ensure a swift and peaceful resolution.

With the release of the detained personnel, both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and cooperation in resolving bilateral concerns.