BREAKING: Burkina Faso Arrests Nigerian Military Officers, Seizes Air Force Aircraft
Burkina Faso’s ruling junta has confirmed the arrest of 11 Nigerian military officers and the seizure of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 transport aircraft after it allegedly entered Burkinabe airspace without authorisation and was compelled to make an emergency landing.
In a statement released late Monday, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali—said the aircraft was forced to land in Bobo Dioulasso on 8 December 2025 after reporting an in-flight emergency.
“The Confederation of the Sahel States informs the public that an aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a C130 type, was forced to land today, 8 December 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency situation, while it was operating in Burkinabe airspace,” the statement read.
According to the AES, the aircraft carried two crew members and nine passengers, all later identified as personnel of the Nigerian armed forces. The eleven officers are currently being held in the country pending further investigation.
The Sahel coalition said an inquiry launched by Burkinabe authorities established that the aircraft had no clearance to fly over the country. It strongly condemned what it described as a violation of the airspace and sovereignty of member states.
“An investigation was immediately opened … and revealed the absence of authorization for the aircraft to fly over Burkinabe territory. The Confederation of the Sahel States strongly condemns this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states,” the statement added.
The alliance disclosed that, following the incident, the three Sahelian governments placed their armed forces, including air defence and anti-aircraft units, on maximum alert in line with a prior directive issued by their College of Heads of State on 22 December 2024.
It warned that its defence systems had been authorised to “neutralize any aircraft” that violates the confederation’s airspace, stressing that the measures were necessary to protect territorial integrity and ensure the safety of populations within the alliance.
Nigeria has yet to issue an official response to the development.
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
