“Earlier reports of the release of 11 arrested Nigerian military personnel in Burkina Faso are false” — Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that the 11 military personnel detained in Burkina Faso remain in custody, countering reports that suggested they had been released. The personnel were aboard a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft that made an unscheduled landing in Bobo-Dioulasso earlier in the week after the crew detected a technical fault mid-flight.

The aircraft, which was on a ferry mission to Portugal, landed in accordance with international aviation procedures that require crews to divert to the nearest safe airfield when technical concerns arise. Although the Air Force reported that its personnel received polite treatment upon landing, Burkinabe authorities declined to clear the aircraft or its occupants to resume their journey.

The situation quickly escalated after the Confederation of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—claimed the Nigerian aircraft entered Burkina Faso’s airspace without authorisation. AES officials described the diversion as a breach of sovereignty and announced that their air and anti-aircraft systems had been placed on heightened alert. Nigerian defence officials countered that the flight adhered to standard aviation protocols and that the precautionary landing was unavoidable.

Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the ministry is in active contact with officials in Ouagadougou and is working through diplomatic channels to secure the release of the detained personnel and the aircraft. He emphasised that no explanations had been provided for the continued detention and reaffirmed that earlier reports suggesting the situation had been resolved were inaccurate.

Sources familiar with the discussions say the episode is unfolding against a backdrop of tense regional politics. The three AES governments, which withdrew from ECOWAS after the bloc opposed military takeovers in their countries, are believed to view the incident through a political lens. Nigerian officials, however, maintain that the matter is strictly technical and should have been resolved immediately under established aviation norms.

Before the standoff emerged, the Air Force had announced that arrangements were underway for the aircraft to continue to Portugal once the technical fault was addressed. Those plans halted when Burkinabe authorities declined to grant onward clearance.

Burkina Faso’s national news agency confirmed that 11 Nigerian personnel were on board—two crew members and nine passengers—when the aircraft landed. No timeline has been given for their release, and both governments have refrained from discussing the finer details of the ongoing negotiations.

Diplomatic efforts continue as Nigeria seeks an unimpeded resolution and the return of both its personnel and aircraft.