The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the continued detention of 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel and a C-130 aircraft by authorities in Burkina Faso, directing relevant committees to engage security and diplomatic agencies to secure their release.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance raised by Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo, a retired Air Vice Marshal and lawmaker representing Ekiti South West/Ikere/Ise-Orun Federal Constituency.
Burkina Faso’s military-led government had alleged that the Nigerian aircraft violated its airspace, an accusation reported by the Agence d’Information du Burkina and attributed to the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), which described the incident as a breach of sovereignty.
However, the Nigerian Air Force refuted the claim, explaining that the aircraft diverted to the nearest airfield in line with standard aviation safety procedures. In a statement, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the crew were safe and being treated cordially, while diplomatic engagements were ongoing.
Despite these efforts, the 11 NAF personnel remain in detention.
Speaking during Tuesday’s plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Ojuawo said the aircraft made a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso after the crew detected a technical issue shortly after departing Lagos on a ferry mission to Portugal. He stressed that the flight was fully documented and conducted in accordance with international aviation regulations.
The lawmaker dismissed claims that the aircraft was on an intelligence or surveillance mission, noting there was no evidence it violated Burkina Faso’s airspace or was intercepted and forced to land.
“The personnel on board were routine aircraft crew and mission support officers. The matter is already being addressed through diplomatic channels by relevant Nigerian authorities,” he said.
Ojuawo warned that misinformation surrounding the incident could damage Nigeria’s diplomatic reputation, strain regional relations and weaken public confidence in national institutions.
Other lawmakers also weighed in. Ahmad Munir highlighted the fragile security and democratic situation in the Sahel, describing Nigeria as a key stabilising force in the region, while calling for stronger engagement with ECOWAS partners. Donald Ojogo described the matter as a sensitive diplomatic issue and urged improvements in the professionalism of Nigeria’s foreign service.
At the end of deliberations, the House mandated the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence, Nigerian Air Force and National Security to jointly interface with the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as relevant intelligence agencies, and submit a report within two weeks.
Lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to intensify bilateral diplomacy, utilise African Union mechanisms and sustain dialogue to ensure the prompt release of the detained personnel and aircraft. The Office of the National Security Adviser was also tasked with coordinating inter-agency communication and providing regular public briefings to counter misinformation without jeopardising diplomatic efforts.
