By Olokuta Rofiat
Nigeria has dispatched a high-level delegation to Burkina Faso to seek the release of 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF), personnel detained after a Nigerian military aircraft made an emergency landing in the country.
The delegation, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, includes senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the NAF Headquarters.
It is expected to engage Burkinabè authorities, including President Ibrahim Traoré, to ease tensions and secure the crew’s release.
The incident occurred on December 8, 2025, when a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft en route from Lagos to Portugal diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso due to technical challenges.
While Nigerian authorities insist the landing was a safety precaution, Burkinabè officials said the crew was detained over an alleged unauthorised airspace violation.
Government sources in Abuja said the visit reflects Nigeria’s preference for diplomatic engagement, respect for international aviation protocols and commitment to regional cooperation.
The House of Representatives has also urged swift diplomatic efforts to resolve the matter.
As talks continue, Nigeria has reiterated its call for peaceful resolution, amid wider regional sensitivities over sovereignty and security in the Sahel.
