Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel who were detained after their aircraft made an emergency landing in the country earlier this month, Nigeria’s foreign minister announced on Wednesday.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar said the issue was resolved through sustained diplomatic engagement, describing the outcome as a demonstration of the effectiveness of dialogue in handling sensitive matters. The release followed meetings between Burkina Faso’s military authorities and a Nigerian delegation led by Tuggar.
The detained personnel included two flight crew members and nine passengers. Nigerian officials confirmed that they are no longer being held.
According to Nigeria’s Air Force, the aircraft was en route to Portugal for scheduled maintenance when it was forced to make an emergency landing in western Burkina Faso on December 8. The air force said the landing was carried out in line with international aviation regulations and standard safety procedures.
The incident prompted the Alliance of Sahel States comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to place its air and air-defense systems on high alert, authorizing forces to respond to any aircraft deemed to have violated its airspace.
Following their release, Nigerian authorities said the crew would proceed with flying the aircraft to Portugal to complete the planned maintenance.
The emergency landing occurred against the backdrop of strained relations between Nigeria and the Sahel alliance. Tensions have risen in recent weeks, partly due to Nigeria’s role in supporting efforts that reversed a brief coup attempt in Benin, during which the Nigerian Air Force reportedly conducted airstrikes against coup plotters.
Nigeria remains a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), while Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger withdrew from the bloc to form the Alliance of Sahel States, accusing ECOWAS of imposing harsh sanctions and acting against the interests of their citizens.
