The Federal Government has opened diplomatic talks with Burkina Faso to secure the release of a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft and its personnel detained in the country. The crew and aircraft entered their third day in custody on Wednesday after Burkinabe authorities accused them of violating the country’s airspace.
Military officials confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now leading negotiations. A senior source said the soldiers “have not been released yet” but added that the ministry’s involvement may help resolve the issue.
The ministry also confirmed the engagement. Its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the Nigerian Embassy in Ouagadougou “is engaging with the host authorities to secure their release.”
Burkina Faso had earlier announced that the aircraft, which carried 11 Nigerian soldiers, was forced to land on Monday. The announcement, published by the state-run Agence d’Information du Burkina, cited a statement from the Confederation of Sahel States. Burkinabe investigators said the aircraft lacked the required clearance to fly over the country.
The Sahel bloc condemned the incident, stating that it “condemns with the utmost firmness this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member States.”
The Nigerian Air Force gave a different account of the incident. It said the C-130 crew made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso after detecting a technical issue soon after departing Lagos on 8 December. The aircraft was headed to Portugal on a ferry mission.
Air Force spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the crew diverted to the nearest airfield in line with aviation protocols and that all personnel remained safe and were receiving cordial treatment. He added that plans were underway to continue the mission once the situation is resolved and that the Air Force adhered to strict safety and operational procedures.
