Burkina Faso Frees 11 Nigerian Military Personnel After Emergency Landing; ECOWAS Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance for Coups
Authorities in Burkina Faso have released 11 Nigerian military personnel following the “unauthorised” emergency landing of a cargo plane from Lagos in Bobo-Dioulasso, the country’s second-largest city.
The C-130 aircraft, carrying two crew members and nine passengers, reportedly entered Burkina Faso airspace without clearance, prompting condemnation from the breakaway regional Association of Sahel States (AES), which described the act as “unfriendly.” While the personnel were allowed to return to Nigeria, the fate of the aircraft remains unclear.
Nigeria’s military explained that the plane made an unscheduled stop due to technical issues on its way to Portugal for a ferry mission, following standard aviation safety protocols. Ehimen Ejodame, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, said the personnel were treated well and that an investigation into the incident is ongoing. The landing coincided with a recent domestic test flight crash in Niger State, from which both pilots survived.
The timing of the emergency landing intensified scrutiny, coming just a day after Nigerian airstrikes in Benin helped dislodge mutineers involved in a failed coup. A Nigerian government spokesperson stressed that all actions followed ECOWAS protocols, responding to a request from President Patrice Talon’s administration after soldiers briefly seized the national broadcaster and declared a change of power.
Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted the fragility of democracy in the region, warning of urgent security challenges and the need for serious reflection on the protection of democratic institutions.
ECOWAS Ministers Renew Commitment Against Coups
At the 55th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council in Abuja, ECOWAS ministers reaffirmed their zero-tolerance stance on unconstitutional military takeovers. Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Minister Timothy Kabba, chairing the council, called for unity among member states to restore political order and prevent further destabilization.
“We have witnessed an increase in unconstitutional takeovers, which demands a careful review of governance systems to uphold constitutional principles and the rule of law,” Kabba said, emphasizing that regional peace and security are essential for development. He praised member states for demonstrating unity and building trust, which he called the foundation of ECOWAS cooperation.
Nigeria’s Minister of State, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, urged ECOWAS to remain steadfast in defending constitutional order, promoting inclusive political dialogue, and supporting credible transitions. She called for accelerated economic integration and emphasized the responsibility of the bloc to address rising insecurity, banditry, and kidnappings that threaten democratic stability.
Nigerian Army Praises Troops for Foiling Benin Coup
Lt. Gen. Shaibu Waidi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), commended officers and soldiers of the 81 Division in Lagos for their swift action in Benin Republic, which helped thwart the attempted coup. Speaking during his first visit to the division’s headquarters in Victoria Island, Waidi said their response exemplified professionalism and commitment to protecting democracy.
He assured troops that their welfare, including accommodation, allowances, healthcare, and education for their children, remains a top priority. “Your discipline, focus, and rapid response reflect the hallmark of soldiering. We will continue to ensure you have the support and resources necessary to perform your duties effectively,” the COAS stated.
