Tension Grows As 11 Nigerian Soldiers Remain Detained In Burkina Faso After Six Days

According to Ireporter Online, six days after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso, the 11 Nigerian military personnel on board remain in detention as diplomatic efforts continue between both countries.

The aircraft and its crew were reportedly taken into custody by Burkinabe authorities over allegations of unauthorised entry into the country’s airspace. Burkina Faso’s state-owned news agency disclosed that the aircraft was compelled to land on Monday, December 8, following what authorities described as a breach of national airspace.

Reacting to the development, the Confederation of Sahel States described the incident as a serious violation of sovereignty, noting that an investigation by Burkinabe officials revealed the absence of clearance for the Nigerian military aircraft to fly over the country. The regional bloc strongly condemned the alleged infringement, reaffirming its stance against any violation of the airspace of its member states.

The Nigerian Air Force, however, explained that the aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal and was forced to divert to Bobo-Dioulasso after a technical issue was detected shortly after it departed from Lagos. According to the Air Force, the decision to land was taken in line with established international aviation safety procedures.

The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, assured that the personnel are safe and are being treated courteously by the host authorities.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has intensified diplomatic engagements to resolve the matter. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Nigeria’s embassy in Ouagadougou is actively engaging Burkinabe officials to secure the release of the detained personnel and the aircraft.

Amid the ongoing diplomatic talks, a former senator representing Ekiti North and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Ayodele Arise, has urged President Bola Tinubu to consider a firmer response should negotiations fail. Speaking during a televised interview, Arise referenced historical examples of decisive intervention, stressing that Nigeria must assert its sovereignty while maintaining cordial relations with neighbouring countries.

He also defended the President’s previous swift military decisions in regional security matters, arguing that certain situations require immediate action in the interest of national and regional stability.