Burkina Faso has released a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft and its 11 crew members, two weeks after they were detained following a precautionary landing in the country.
The aircraft, which was on a ferry mission to Portugal, reportedly developed technical issues mid-flight and was compelled to land at the nearest available airfield in Bobo-Dioulasso, in line with international aviation safety protocols.
Earlier confirming the incident, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, explained that the crew acted strictly in accordance with standard aviation procedures by prioritising safety.
The incident, however, generated diplomatic tension after Mali’s military leader, Colonel Assimi Goïta, speaking on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), described the landing as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law.”
He further warned that member states of the alliance would take steps to neutralise any aircraft found violating their airspace.
Despite the strong remarks, the Nigerian government engaged Burkina Faso through diplomatic channels to resolve the matter.
This culminated in a high-level meeting in Ouagadougou between a Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Confirming the release on Wednesday night, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, said simply: “Yes, they have been released.”
The development brings an end to the diplomatic episode and underscores Nigeria’s preference for dialogue and engagement in resolving regional security and aviation-related disputes.