Burkina Faso Frees 11 Nigerian Air Force Crew Members And Aircraft After Diplomatic Talks
Burkina Faso has released a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft and its 11 crew members following a two-week detention after a precautionary landing. The aircraft, on a ferry mission to Portugal, was forced to land in Bobo Dioulasso due to technical issues. The Nigerian Air Force stated that the crew diverted to the nearest airfield to ensure safety, fully adhering to international aviation protocols. NAF Director of Public Relations, Mr. Ehimen Ejodame, emphasized that the landing was a standard safety measure. Earlier, Mali’s junta leader, Assimi Goita, speaking on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel States, described the landing as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law” and warned that aircraft violating Sahelian airspace would be neutralized. The release followed diplomatic talks in Ouagadougou between a Nigerian delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Yusuf Tuggar, and Burkina Faso’s leader, Mr. Ibrahim Traoré. Tuggar, acting on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, briefed journalists after the successful engagement. Confirming the development on Wednesday night, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated: “Yes, they have been released.” The resolution marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough, easing tensions and reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to dialogue and regional security cooperation.