The Federal Government has confirmed the release of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft and 11 personnel who were detained in Burkina Faso following a forced landing.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, announced the development on Wednesday night, stating simply: “Yes, they have been released.”
The confirmation followed a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yusuf Tuggar, and Burkina Faso junta leader, Mr. Ibrahim Traoré, in Ouagadougou. Tuggar led a Nigerian delegation at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, briefing journalists on the outcome.
The incident occurred nearly two weeks ago when a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft, carrying 11 personnel on a ferry mission to Portugal, made a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso due to a technical issue.
Director of Public Relations of the Nigerian Air Force, Mr. Ehimen Ejodame, said the crew acted in line with international aviation protocols, opting for the nearest airfield to ensure safety.
However, the Mali junta leader, Mr. Assimi Goita, speaking for the Confederation of Sahel States, condemned the landing as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law,” warning that member states were authorised to neutralise aircraft violating their airspace.
