Burkina Faso releases 11 Air Force personnel after high-level Nigerian delegation visit

 Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members nine days after their detention, following high-level diplomatic intervention by the Nigerian government. The development has eased tensions that had threatened to escalate into a wider diplomatic dispute between the two West African neighbours. The release came shortly after a Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, concluded official engagements in Ouagadougou, including talks with Burkina Fasos military leader, President Ibrahim Traor. The delegation comprised senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence and NAF Headquarters, and was tasked with resolving the matter through dialogue. According to security sources familiar with the mission, discussions focused on de-escalation, confidence-building and securing the release of the detained personnel, while reaffirming Nigerias commitment to international aviation regulations, military protocols and regional cooperation. The visit was described as a deliberate diplomatic effort aimed at strengthening trust and reinforcing neighbourly relations.  The incident occurred amid growing insecurity and political instability across the Sahel region. Relations in the sub-region have been strained following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States, a move that has altered regional dynamics and heightened diplomatic sensitivities. Burkina Faso had detained the 11 Nigerian military personnel after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso without prior airspace clearance. Burkinab authorities initially described the landing as a violation of sovereignty. However, the Nigerian Air Force explained that the aircraft made a precautionary emergency stop due to a technical issue, in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. The situation raised concerns about a potential diplomatic standoff, especially against the backdrop of recent security scares and heightened tensions in the region. Analysts warned that the detention could have worsened relations between both countries if not carefully managed. Speaking after the talks, Nigerias Foreign Affairs Minister said both countries shared long-standing ties and common security challenges. He noted that discussions covered cooperation across several sectors and addressed the emergency landing incident directly. He acknowledged procedural lapses in the authorisation process for the aircrafts entry into Burkina Fasos airspace and expressed Nigerias regret, while reaffirming respect for Burkina Fasos sovereignty and international aviation rules.  He also distanced the Nigerian government from comments made by a political party official alleging mistreatment of the detained personnel, offering formal apologies to the Burkinab authorities.  BREAKING: After securing their release from Ibrahim Traor (Burkina Faso, President), Nigerias Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, meets with the 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel who were detained for almost two weeks after their aircraft made an emergency landing in pic.twitter.com/PlynuRk5KA Festus Ohalete (@ohalete_festus) December 18, 2025     The post Burkina Faso releases 11 Air Force personnel after high-level Nigerian delegation visit appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.