“We Are on Top of the Situation” — FG on Nigerian C-130, 11 Soldiers Detained in Burkina Faso

The Federal Government has confirmed that 11 Nigerian soldiers and a C-130 military aircraft remain in the custody of authorities in Burkina Faso, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to secure their release.

The aircraft, along with its crew and personnel, was seized on Monday following what the Nigerian Air Force described as a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso due to technical faults while en route to Portugal for maintenance. Burkina Faso and the Confederation of Sahel States, however, contended that the plane entered their airspace without clearance, prompting the forced landing.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated that the federal government is actively engaging Burkinabe authorities to resolve the situation. “We are engaging them, but they are yet to be released,” he said, adding that the ministry has assumed responsibility for the negotiations to ensure the safe return of both the aircraft and personnel. The Nigerian Air Force has remained silent since the ministry took over the discussions.

Retired military officers contacted by Vanguard cautioned against speculation, noting that premature judgments could jeopardize ongoing government-to-government negotiations. Some observers suggest that Burkina Faso and other Sahel countries, including Mali and Niger, may be using the detention as leverage to address economic challenges exacerbated by trade restrictions and the withdrawal of French business support.

Efforts continue to resolve the matter diplomatically, with the federal government maintaining that it is closely monitoring developments and prioritizing the safe release of the Nigerian soldiers and the C-130 aircraft.