Burkina Faso has released a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft and its 11 personnel following high-level diplomatic engagements between both countries.
A Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, met with Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, to address the detention of the aircraft and its crew. The discussions culminated in the immediate release of the personnel and the aircraft.
After the release, Ambassador Tuggar met with the Air Force personnel to ascertain their condition and confirmed that they were in good health. The delegation and the freed personnel are now on their way back to Nigeria.
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to international aviation regulations, expressed respect for Burkina Faso’s sovereignty, and rejected any unverified allegations of wrongdoing. Both countries also acknowledged their shared security concerns and stressed the need to sustain cordial and fraternal relations.
The incident occurred on December 8, 2025, when the Nigerian Air Force aircraft made an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso due to a technical fault. Burkina Faso authorities subsequently detained the crew and seized the aircraft over claims of unauthorised entry into the country’s airspace.
