The Federal Government has confirmed that talks are still underway regarding the detention of a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft and 11 personnel by the government of Burkina Faso. The officials and aircraft have yet to be released.
The aircraft, along with its crew, was seized on Monday after making what the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) described as a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, due to technical issues on its way to Portugal for maintenance.
Burkina Faso’s government, supported by the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), however, alleged that the plane entered its airspace without prior clearance, prompting the forced landing.
Speaking on the situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the Federal Government is actively engaging the Burkinabe authorities to secure the safe release of both the aircraft and the soldiers.
“We are engaging them, but they are yet to be released,” Ebienfa confirmed, adding that the Ministry has taken over negotiations to ensure the personnel and plane return safely.
Following the takeover by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Air Force has refrained from making public comments.
A retired military officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, urged caution, warning against speculation. “Assuming conclusions before facts are clear may jeopardize government-to-government discussions and create unnecessary risks. It is best to wait for the outcome of negotiations,” he said.
Vanguard reports that Burkina Faso, along with other Sahel states such as Mali and Niger—which were previously ECOWAS members before suspension due to military takeovers—is reportedly using the incident as leverage.
According to the retired officer, “The blockade of trade and movement of goods enforced by ECOWAS, which Nigeria is perceived to influence, has worsened their economic situation. With France largely disengaged economically, these countries may be using the detention to negotiate relief or economic assistance. This is my personal observation, but it reflects the broader regional context.”
Negotiations remain ongoing as Nigerian officials work to secure the release of the military personnel and aircraft.
