Eleven Nigerian military personnel are still being held in Burkina Faso six days after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made a precautionary landing in the West African country, triggering a diplomatic standoff between both nations.
The incident occurred on December 8, 2025, when the aircraft, on a ferry mission to Portugal, developed a technical fault shortly after departing Lagos.
In line with international aviation safety protocols, the crew diverted to the nearest suitable airfield in Bobo-Dioulasso.
Upon landing, the aircraft and its crew were detained by Burkina Faso’s military authorities, who alleged that the flight entered the country’s airspace without prior authorisation.
Burkina Faso’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Emile Zerbo, said investigations by local authorities showed no record of clearance, prompting concerns over a breach of sovereignty.
The Confederation of Sahel States also condemned the incident, describing it as a violation of Burkinabe airspace.
The Nigerian Air Force maintained that the diversion followed standard operational and safety procedures.
Its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that the detained personnel were safe and receiving cordial treatment while diplomatic efforts continued.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had activated diplomatic channels to secure the release of both the personnel and the aircraft.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated that the Nigerian Embassy in Ouagadougou was in active engagement with Burkinabe authorities to resolve the matter amicably.
The detention has generated debate within Nigeria, with calls for a firmer response.
Former senator and All Progressives Congress chieftain, Ayodele Arise, urged the Federal Government to consider a military option if diplomatic efforts fail.
Speaking on Arise Television, he referenced Israel’s 1976 Entebbe operation as an example of decisive action that compelled cooperation from a host nation.
Arise argued that while Nigeria should maintain friendly relations with its neighbours, it must also assert its sovereignty and protect its personnel.
He acknowledged the military’s ongoing domestic engagements against insurgency and banditry but stressed the need for regional assertiveness.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar reiterated that discussions were ongoing and that the detention was being addressed through diplomatic channels.
He clarified that the aircraft’s landing had no connection to Nigeria’s recent military operations in the Republic of Benin.
As negotiations continue, the Federal Government faces mounting pressure to ensure the safe return of its personnel while firmly asserting Nigeria’s position on regional security and sovereignty.
