Burkina Faso Frees Detained Nigerian Air Force Aircraft, 11 Crew After Diplomatic Talks
Burkina Faso has released a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft and its 11 crew members, two weeks after they were detained following a precautionary landing in the country.
The aircraft, which was on a ferry mission to Portugal, reportedly developed technical issues and was forced to land at the nearest airfield in Bobo-Dioulasso in line with international aviation safety protocols.
Confirming the incident earlier, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the crew acted in accordance with standard aviation procedures by prioritising safety.
However, the landing attracted diplomatic tension after the leader of Mali’s military junta, Assimi Goïta, speaking on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel States, described the action as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law.” He warned that member states of the alliance would take measures to neutralise any aircraft found violating their airspace.
Despite the remarks, the Nigerian government engaged Burkina Faso through diplomatic channels, leading to the eventual release of the aircraft and personnel.
The development followed a high-level meeting in Ouagadougou between a Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Confirming the release on Wednesday night, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said simply: “Yes, they have been released.”
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
