NAF Personnel, Aircraft Remain Detained in Burkina Faso Despite FG’s Release Claims — Detained Soldier
Seven Nigerian soldiers and four airmen of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), along with their Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft, remain detained in Burkina Faso, contradicting official claims by the Federal Government and the Air Force that the crew had been released.
One of the detained soldiers, who spoke with a journalist, disclosed that the aircraft was on a ferry mission from Lagos to Portugal when it developed a technical fault shortly after take-off. The crew, he said, was forced to make a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso on Monday.
“I am reaching out regarding the situation involving seven officers and four airmen of the Nigerian Air Force who have been detained alongside their Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft since Monday in Burkina Faso,” the soldier said.
He explained that, contrary to reports credited to government sources that the crew had been released on Tuesday to continue their journey, they remain in custody of Burkinabe authorities.
According to him, the continued detention is largely due to the failure of the Federal Government to formally communicate with Burkina Faso to clarify the nature of the mission.
“The officers and airmen have had no contact with their families and have received no official updates from the Nigerian Air Force or the Federal Government,” he added.
He stressed that the situation could be resolved if the Federal Government officially confirmed to Burkinabe authorities that the aircraft was on an authorised ferry mission to Portugal and had no connection whatsoever with air operations in neighbouring Benin.
“All that is required at this point is for the Federal Government to formally communicate with the Burkinabe authorities,” he said. “We are seeking support to raise awareness and hold the government accountable so that prompt action is taken.”
He further dismissed earlier reports announcing their release as false, maintaining that the personnel are still being held.
Reports indicate that the incident occurred amid heightened regional tensions following accusations by the Confederation of Sahel States (AES)—a breakaway bloc comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger—that the aircraft violated Burkinabe airspace. The AES has authorised its member states to neutralise any aircraft deemed to have breached their airspace.
Mali’s junta leader, Assimi Goïta, reportedly described the landing as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law.” The forced landing coincided with Nigerian military airstrikes in Benin aimed at thwarting a reported coup attempt, further escalating tensions in the region.
In response, the Nigerian Air Force maintained that the C-130 aircraft was on a legitimate ferry mission to Portugal. The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the crew encountered a technical issue that necessitated a precautionary landing at Bobo-Dioulasso, the nearest suitable airfield.
Ejodame emphasised that the landing was conducted in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.
Meanwhile, the detained personnel and concerned parties continue to appeal for public support to ensure that the Federal Government takes swift diplomatic action to secure the release of the crew, who remain in detention without communication or official updates.
However, latest report says Burkina has accepted to grant the release and hosted Pascal Tigri, who, according to the country, embodies the shared core values in their quest for defrancolonisation.
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
