No fewer than 11 Nigerian soldiers are in detention in Burkina Faso after their military aircraft allegedly entered restricted airspace and made an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso.
Reports say the soldiers travelled in a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft. Burkina Faso’s military said the aircraft entered “AES airspace” without approval. Authorities forced the plane to land in Bobo-Dioulasso and detained the soldiers.
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A statement on social media, shared by security analyst Brant Grant, confirmed the detention through the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The statement warned that security forces would neutralise any aircraft that enters AES-controlled airspace without approval.
The incident comes as regional tensions rise. Nigeria deployed military aircraft to Benin Republic on Sunday after reports of an attempted coup.
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Regional security experts say the incident shows growing distrust and weak military cooperation among West African countries, especially between AES members and ECOWAS.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
