Burkina Faso on Wednesday released 11 members of the Nigerian Air Force who had been held since December 8 after their aircraft made an emergency landing, according to Nigeria’s foreign minister.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar said the issue was settled through continued diplomatic engagement. “Through sustained dialogue, we also resolved the matter concerning Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew, reaffirming the effectiveness of diplomacy in addressing sensitive issues,” he said.
The statement noted that the personnel were freed following meetings between Burkina Faso’s military authorities, led by Ibrahim Traoré, and a Nigerian delegation headed by Tuggar.
Officials confirmed that those released included two flight crew members and nine passengers. Speaking to The Associated Press, Tuggar’s spokesperson, Alkasim Abdulkadir, said the matter had been fully resolved and the individuals were no longer in custody.
Abdulkadir added that both countries agreed to maintain regular consultations and take steps to strengthen bilateral ties and regional cooperation.
Last week, the Nigerian Air Force explained that the aircraft was en route to Portugal for routine maintenance when it was forced to land in western Burkina Faso.
The air force said the emergency landing followed international aviation rules and standard safety procedures.
The incident led the Alliance of Sahel States to place its air and air-defense units on high alert, authorizing them to “neutralize any aircraft that violates the confederation’s airspace,” according to a statement by Mali’s military leader, Gen. Assimi Goita. The alliance comprises Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said on Thursday that the crew would now continue the flight to Portugal for the scheduled maintenance.
The emergency landing came amid strained relations between Nigeria and the Alliance of Sahel States. Tensions rose after Nigeria supported efforts to counter a brief coup attempt in Benin earlier this month, during which the Nigerian Air Force carried out airstrikes against the plotters. Burkina Faso borders Benin to the northwest, while Nigeria lies to Benin’s east.
