Burkina Faso Frees 11 Detained Nigerian Air Force Personnel

Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel who were detained by its authorities, following sustained diplomatic intervention by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The officers had been held for several days before their release, which came after high-level talks in Ouagadougou between Nigerian officials and the Burkinabè government.

A Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, engaged Burkina Faso’s leadership, including Captain Ibrahim Traoré, in discussions aimed at resolving the issue amicably and easing diplomatic tensions.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the outcome underscored the effectiveness of dialogue and peaceful engagement.

“The release of the Nigerian Air Force personnel reflects the success of constructive dialogue and Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful relations with its neighbours,” Ebienfa stated.

The delegation comprised senior representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, and the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, all mandated to pursue a non-confrontational resolution through sustained diplomatic engagement.

Sources familiar with the mission revealed that Nigerian and Burkinabè officials worked closely to clarify the circumstances surrounding the detention and prevent a potential escalation.

According to a senior official, the visit also reinforced Nigeria’s respect for international aviation and military protocols while strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation.

“This was a confidence-building mission that highlights Nigeria’s preference for diplomacy and good neighbourliness. It was designed to deepen trust and reaffirm shared responsibility in tackling the complex security challenges facing the Sahel,” the source said.

Officials from both countries expressed optimism that the peaceful resolution would further enhance cooperation between Abuja and Ouagadougou, particularly in the area of regional security.

The Nigerian delegation reportedly reiterated Abuja’s commitment to dialogue, regional collaboration, and adherence to international norms, especially within the Sahel.

The incident is expected to boost trust and reinforce collective efforts toward peace, stability, and security across West Africa.

Prior to the release, the Nigerian government had dismissed online reports claiming that a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft was forced to land in Burkina Faso over alleged espionage activities.

Authorities described the claims as false and misleading, also rejecting allegations that the detained personnel were intelligence operatives on a covert mission, insisting the flight was routine and fully compliant with international standards.