The Federal Government has intensified diplomatic engagements aimed at securing the release of Nigerian soldiers and a C-130 military aircraft currently being held in Burkina Faso. The detention, now in its third day, followed allegations that the aircraft violated the Sahel nation’s airspace.
On Wednesday, military sources confirmed to one of our correspondents that both the soldiers and the aircraft remained in custody. The situation, the sources noted, has been escalated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for appropriate intervention. “They have not been released yet. The matter is now being handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We hope they will be released soon with their intervention,” one source said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed its involvement in the matter. Its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed that the Nigerian Embassy in Ouagadougou had commenced engagement with Burkina Faso authorities. He stated, “The Embassy of Nigeria in Ouagadougou is engaging with the host authorities to secure their release.”
Burkina Faso Holds NAF Aircraft After Unauthorised Airspace Entry
Earlier reports had indicated that the Government of Burkina Faso forced the Nigerian Air Force aircraft—carrying 11 soldiers—to land on Monday after what was described as an unauthorized entry into the country’s airspace. The incident was announced by the Agence d’Information du Burkina, the state-run news agency, which cited a statement from the Confederation of Sahel States.
According to the statement, an investigation by Burkinabe authorities “highlighted the absence of authorisation to fly over the territory of Burkina Faso for this military device.” The AES strongly condemned the development as a violation of sovereignty, adding that it “condemns with the utmost firmness this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member States.”
However, the Nigerian Air Force has assured the public that its personnel in Bobo-Dioulasso are safe and being treated cordially by Burkinabe officials. The detained aircraft had been on a ferry mission to Portugal when the crew detected a technical issue shortly after departing Lagos on December 8, 2025, prompting a precautionary landing in line with international aviation standards.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, explained that the crew diverted to the nearest airfield as part of standard safety procedures. He added that arrangements were underway to resume the mission soon, reaffirming that the Air Force remained committed to strict operational and safety protocols.
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