Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – Following nine days of intense diplomatic engagement, Burkina Faso has released 11 personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty that began with an emergency landing in the West African nation.
The crew members and their C-130 transport aircraft were released on Wednesday, December 17, after being held by Burkinabe authorities since their unscheduled landing on December 8. The aircraft was reportedly forced down due to an unspecified technical issue, but the authorities in Burkina Faso later described the landing as “unauthorized,” triggering robust security protocols in the region.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, confirmed the good news to anxious Nigerians, marking a significant diplomatic resolution. The breakthrough came after intensive, high-level diplomatic talks between the two nations. The successful negotiations included a Nigerian delegation—reportedly an envoy of President Bola Tinubu—meeting with the Burkinabe leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, to secure the safe return of the military personnel.
The detention of the NAF personnel, though temporary, had understandably raised concerns in Nigeria regarding the welfare of its service members in a region grappling with complex security challenges. The incident underscored the strict security environment military aircraft face when forced to make unscheduled stops in foreign territory, even in the case of a technical emergency.
Their safe and timely release highlights the critical importance of maintaining active communication channels and a willingness by both neighbouring nations to resolve sensitive issues through diplomacy rather than allowing them to escalate. For the families of the detained NAF crew, the news brings immense relief, putting an end to a period of apprehension. The personnel are now expected to be debriefed upon their return to Nigeria for further review of the incident.
Sources: Africanews | Africa Business Insider | CGTN Africa | Sahara Reporters
