Burkina Faso Frees Detained Nigerian Air Force Crew

The Federal Government has confirmed the release of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft and its 11 crew members who were detained in Burkina Faso after making an unscheduled landing.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development on Wednesday night, stating briefly, “Yes, they have been released.”

The release followed high-level diplomatic engagement, including a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yusuf Tuggar, and Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, in Ouagadougou. Tuggar led a Nigerian delegation on the directive of President Bola Tinubu and later briefed journalists on the outcome.

The aircraft, a Nigerian Air Force C-130, was on a ferry mission to Portugal when it made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso about two weeks ago due to a technical issue. All 11 personnel on board were subsequently detained.

According to the Director of Public Relations of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the crew acted in accordance with international aviation safety procedures by diverting to the nearest available airfield.

Meanwhile, Mali’s military leader, Colonel Assimi Goïta, speaking on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel States, had earlier described the landing as an “unfriendly act” allegedly in violation of international law, warning that member states were authorised to take action against aircraft deemed to have breached their airspace.