A high-level Nigerian delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has held talks with Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, following the detention of Nigerian military personnel in the country.
The meeting, which took place at the presidential palace in Ouagadougou, was revealed in a social media post on Wednesday evening by @afarIssa13. Tuggar was seen alongside other Nigerian officials during the engagement with the Burkinabe leader.
The diplomatic visit comes days after 11 Nigerian military officers were held after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, a city in south-west Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Emile Zerbo, alleged that the aircraft entered the country’s airspace without proper authorisation. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — a regional bloc comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger — also accused Nigeria of breaching Burkina Faso’s sovereignty.
Nigeria, however, has strongly rejected the allegations. The Nigerian Air Force explained that the aircraft made a precautionary landing due to a technical issue, stressing that the decision was taken in line with international aviation safety standards.
According to the NAF, the crew detected a technical concern and safely diverted to the nearest available airfield in Bobo-Dioulasso.
While there were reports suggesting that the detained officers had been released, Tuggar clarified that the soldiers remain in Burkina Faso. In an interview with TheCable, he confirmed that diplomatic discussions are ongoing.
“We are engaging constructively to resolve this sensitive situation as quickly as possible,” Tuggar said, adding that the matter is being handled through diplomatic channels.
When asked directly about the status of the soldiers, the minister replied: “Yes, they are still there.”
The outcome of the talks is expected to determine whether the standoff will be resolved amicably and could have broader implications for relations and stability within the West African region.
