Burkina Faso authorities have released 11 Nigerian soldiers along with a Nigerian Air Force aircraft, just 10 days after they were detained. This incident unfolded following an emergency landing in Burkina Faso when the aircraft encountered a technical issue shortly after departing Lagos, bound for Portugal.
The spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the release, stating that arrangements for the soldiers’ and the aircraft’s return to Nigeria were still being finalized. The Nigerian Air Force C-130 made an unscheduled landing in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8, leading to its crew’s detention due to alleged airspace violations.
Burkina Faso officials initially described the incident as a breach of their sovereignty, stating that the aircraft lacked prior authorization for entry into their airspace. After days of intensive diplomatic efforts, including the engagement of a Special Envoy by President Bola Tinubu, the situation has now been resolved.
On the day of the release announcement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs was confirmed to be in Burkina Faso to facilitate the situation’s resolution. Throughout the detention, officials maintained that the crew was treated respectfully, emphasizing that the precautionary landing was in accordance with safety protocols.
As the nation breathes a sigh of relief over the release, there remains a focus on ensuring further diplomatic avenues are open to foster cooperation and understanding between Nigeria and Burkina Faso.
