Burkina Faso releases Nigerian soldiers and a military aircraft after diplomatic talks over an emergency landing incident
Burkina Faso authorities have finally released 11 Nigerian soldiers and a Nigerian Air Force aircraft detained after an emergency landing.
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development late Wednesday.
Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said Nigeria’s Head of Mission in Burkina Faso verified the release.
Kimiebi Ebienfa told The PUNCH that officials were still confirming return arrangements to Nigeria.
The soldiers were detained after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made an unscheduled landing in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8.
The aircraft developed a technical fault shortly after departing Lagos for Portugal.
Burkinabe authorities initially held the crew over alleged airspace violations.
Officials described the landing as a breach of national sovereignty.
Investigations by Burkinabe officials reportedly found the aircraft lacked prior authorisation to enter the country’s airspace.
Following sustained diplomatic engagement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu authorised high-level intervention.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dispatched the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, as Special Envoy to Ouagadougou.
Ebienfa said Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires maintained continuous engagement with the host government.
The Nigerian Air Force consistently assured the public that the crew remained safe during detention.
It said the emergency landing followed international aviation safety protocols.
On Tuesday, Nigeria’s House of Representatives expressed concern and urged swift diplomatic resolution.
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The release marks a decisive outcome to a tense episode between Nigeria and Burkina Faso.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
