By Omoniyi David
President Bola Tinubu is facing a fresh diplomatic challenge after Burkina Faso detained 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel following the forced landing of a C-130 military aircraft in Bobo Dioulasso on Monday.
Burkinabe authorities called the diversion “an unfriendly act,” while the Nigerian Air Force said the plane diverted due to technical issues in line with international safety protocols.
The incident comes shortly after Nigerian troops helped foil a coup in Benin Republic, fueling suspicion from Burkina Faso’s junta, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Analysts warn Tinubu must act swiftly, rally West African support, and engage the African Union to secure the release of the soldiers and aircraft.
