Burkina Faso released 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel detained after an emergency landing on December 8, Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed Thursday.
“Through sustained dialogue, we resolved the matter concerning Nigerian pilots and crew, showing the effectiveness of diplomacy in sensitive situations,” Tuggar said in a statement on X.
The release followed meetings between Burkina Faso’s military government, led by Ibrahim Traoré, and a Nigerian delegation headed by Tuggar. The group included two flight crew members and nine passengers.
READ ALSO: NAF Airstrikes Kill ISWAP Fighters in Borno, Destroy Bandit Camps in Katsina, Kwara
“Matters have been resolved; they are no longer detained,” said Alkasim Abdulkadir, Tuggar’s spokesperson, to The Associated Press.
Abdulkadir added that Nigeria and Burkina Faso will hold regular consultations. The countries also plan to strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote regional integration.
The Nigerian Air Force clarified that the aircraft was en route to Portugal for scheduled maintenance. The emergency landing in western Burkina Faso followed international safety procedures.
The incident prompted the Alliance of Sahel States—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—to place its air and anti-air defences on maximum alert. Mali’s military leader, Gen. Assimi Goita, authorised forces “to neutralise any aircraft that violates the confederation’s airspace”.
The Nigerian crew will now continue to Portugal to complete the maintenance, confirmed Nigerian foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The emergency landing occurred amid strained relations between Nigeria and the Sahel alliance. Earlier this month, Nigeria intervened to reverse a short-lived coup in Benin, carrying out airstrikes against the plotters. Burkina Faso lies northwest of Benin, while Nigeria borders Benin to the east.
READ ALSO: NAF Airstrikes Neutralize Several Bandits in Mariga, Niger State
Nigeria is a member of the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formed the Sahel alliance after withdrawing from ECOWAS. The alliance criticised the bloc for imposing sanctions and policies they say harm citizens.
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.
