Burkina Faso authorities have released 11 Nigerian soldiers and a Nigerian Air Force aircraft, approximately 10 days after their detention following an emergency landing in the Sahel nation.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the news to journalists on Wednesday night. “They have been released. I just confirmed with our Head of Mission in Burkina Faso,” Ebienfa said.
However, it remains unclear when the soldiers and the aircraft will be able to return to Nigeria, as their travel arrangements could not be immediately verified.
The military personnel were detained by Burkinabe authorities after their Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made an unscheduled landing in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8 due to a technical issue shortly after departing Lagos en route to Portugal.
Initially, Burkina Faso authorities held the aircraft and its crew over alleged airspace violations, describing the incident as a breach of sovereignty. Investigations by the Confederation of Sahel States and Burkinabe officials reportedly concluded that the aircraft lacked prior authorisation to enter Burkinabe airspace.
In response to the situation, President Bola Tinubu dispatched a Special Envoy to Ouagadougou to engage with Burkinabe officials. Earlier on Wednesday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, was confirmed to be in Ouagadougou as the President’s Special Envoy to facilitate the release of the detained personnel.
Ebienfa noted, “The Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria in Burkina Faso has been engaging the host government, and Mr. President has also sent a Special Envoy. We are optimistic that the matter will be resolved soonest,” he said earlier.
The Nigerian Air Force had previously assured that the crew remained safe and were treated courteously during their detention, emphasising that the precautionary landing was conducted in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.
The aircraft was reportedly on a ferry mission to Portugal when it detected a technical issue shortly after take-off, prompting the crew to divert to the nearest airfield.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives raised concerns over the continued detention of the soldiers and urged diplomatic efforts to secure their release.
