Burkina Faso Releases 11 Detained Nigerian Air Force Personnel, Aircraft

The Federal Government has confirmed the release of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft and 11 personnel who were detained in Burkina Faso following a forced landing.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, announced the development on Wednesday night, stating simply: “Yes, they have been released.”

The confirmation followed a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yusuf Tuggar, and Burkina Faso junta leader, Ibrahim Traoré, in Ouagadougou.

The incident occurred nearly two weeks ago when a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft, carrying 11 personnel on a ferry mission to Portugal, made a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso due to a technical issue.

Director of Public Relations of the Nigerian Air Force, Mr. Ehimen Ejodame, said the crew acted in line with international aviation protocols, opting for the nearest airfield to ensure safety.

However, the Mali junta leader, Mr. Assimi Goita, speaking for the Confederation of Sahel States, condemned the landing as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law,” warning that member states were authorised to neutralise aircraft violating their airspace.

The Nigerian Air Force had repeatedly assured that the crew remained safe and were treated courteously during their detention, emphasising that the precautionary landing was conducted in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.

The aircraft was reportedly on a ferry mission to Portugal when it detected a technical issue shortly after take-off, prompting the crew to divert to the nearest airfield.