Nigeria Apologises, Secures Release of Detained Air Force Personnel After Emergency Landing in Burkina Faso

  Nigeria Apologises, Secures Release of Detained Air Force Personnel After Emergency Landing in Burkina Faso Ouagadougou , Burkina Faso – ...

 Nigeria Apologises, Secures Release of Detained Air Force Personnel After Emergency Landing in Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – In a bid to defuse rising diplomatic tensions, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, led a high-level delegation to meet Burkina Faso's transitional leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, on December 17, 2025. The visit, personally initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focused on resolving a contentious incident involving a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft and its 11 crew members, who had been detained in Burkina Faso following an emergency landing earlier in the month.

The incident occurred on December 8, 2025, when the NAF C-130, en route on a ferry mission to Portugal, encountered a technical issue. According to the Nigerian Air Force, the crew followed standard international aviation safety protocols by making a precautionary landing at the nearest suitable airfield in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso's second-largest city. However, Burkinabè authorities viewed the landing differently, citing irregularities in overflight documentation and authorisations, which they deemed a violation of their airspace.

Tensions escalated when the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger – issued a strong statement through Mali's leader, Assimi Goïta, describing the landing as an "unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law." The AES had previously authorised member states to neutralise any aircraft violating their airspace amid regional security concerns.

President Tinubu promptly dispatched the delegation to Ouagadougou to address the matter diplomatically and prevent further strain on bilateral relations. The Nigerian team engaged in direct talks with Captain Traoré and his officials, discussing not only the aircraft incident but also broader regional security issues, including joint efforts to combat terrorism – an area where Burkina Faso has recorded notable successes in recent years.

During a press conference following the meeting, Minister Tuggar acknowledged procedural lapses on the Nigerian side regarding the flight documents. "There were irregularities with documents, including authorisations for overflying into Burkinabè space," he stated, expressing regret over the "unfortunate incident" and extending apologies on behalf of Nigeria. Tuggar praised the Burkinabè authorities for their humane treatment of the detained crew, emphasising the "fraternity and solidarity" between the two nations.

The discussions proved fruitful. Hours after the meeting, reports emerged – later confirmed by Nigerian authorities – that Burkina Faso had released the 11 NAF personnel and the aircraft. Tuggar highlighted the positive atmosphere, noting that both sides explored opportunities for enhanced collaboration in counter-terrorism and regional stability.

Family Writers Press International.