Burkina Faso Refuses to Release Nigerian Military Aircraft, 11 Personnel as Diplomatic Tensions Deepen
Burkina Faso continues to retain custody of a Nigerian military aircraft and the 11 personnel aboard it, despite sustained diplomatic attempts aimed at resolving the escalating standoff.
Tensions surrounding the incident have intensified in recent days, prompting full intervention from the Federal Government as negotiations gain urgency.
The Nigerian Air Force C-130 transport aircraft had made an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso after the crew detected a technical fault mid-flight. Nigerian officials maintain that the diversion adhered strictly to global aviation safety protocols, but authorities in Burkina Faso insist the aircraft entered their airspace without the requisite clearance.
What began as a routine safety operation quickly snowballed into a diplomatic dispute, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs opening formal communication channels with Ouagadougou to secure the release of the aircraft and its personnel. PulseNets learnt that the ongoing conversations have become increasingly complex due to evolving political tensions across the Sahel.
Sources familiar with the talks told PulseNets that leaders of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) — Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — view the matter as an opportunity to demonstrate resistance against Nigeria following their exit from ECOWAS.
Diplomatic officials further revealed that the C-130 crew complied with all emergency-landing procedures, but the strained relationship between the Sahel military juntas and Abuja has slowed what should ordinarily be a straightforward clearance process.
A senior government official, who spoke to PulseNets, confirmed that negotiations remain active. According to him, the aircraft was originally scheduled to continue its journey to Portugal shortly after the diversion, but authorization from Burkina Faso has not been granted.
When contacted for clarification, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed circulating reports suggesting that the aircraft and personnel had been released. Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa stated that such claims were inaccurate, stressing that diplomatic channels remained fully engaged.
In his words:
“As of this moment, neither the aircraft nor the personnel have been released. Efforts are ongoing, and we are in constant communication with the Burkinabe authorities through the usual diplomatic processes.”
Ebienfa added that the ministry has not been briefed on the specific reasons behind Burkina Faso’s refusal to clear the aircraft but assured the public that every effort is being deployed to ensure the safe return of the detained personnel.
Earlier, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed the emergency landing while noting that the crew received respectful treatment from local authorities. In its statement, the NAF said:
“After departing Lagos, the crew identified a technical issue that required a precautionary landing at the nearest airport, which was Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. This action complied with established safety standards and international aviation rules. The crew is safe and has been treated with courtesy. Plans for continuation of the mission are in place.”
Those plans, however, remain on hold. Burkina Faso continues to withhold approval for departure, insisting that the aircraft violated sovereign airspace protocols.
Information obtained by PulseNets indicates that the aircraft was carrying 11 Nigerian military personnel — two crew members and nine passengers — when the emergency landing occurred.
Also Read: Burkina Faso Detains 11 Nigerian Troops After C-130 Emergency Landing Amid AES Airspace Dispute
Sahel bloc officials have since described the episode as a breach of their sovereignty, warning that any repetition would attract a forceful response. They also claimed that their air-defence systems remain on heightened alert, vowing not to permit what they termed “unauthorised incursions” into their territory.
