OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (Chatnewstv.com) — Burkina Faso on Tuesday confirmed the release of 11 Nigerian military officers who were detained after their Air Force transport plane made an unauthorized landing, escalating regional tensions between the West African nation and Nigeria.
The officers, aboard a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130, were permitted to depart after Burkinabè authorities completed initial questioning. Nigeria said the aircraft was forced to make a “technical emergency landing” in the western city of Bobo-Dioulasso on Monday while en route to Portugal.
Burkinabè authorities, however, contended the aircraft had entered their airspace without clearance.
Airspace Violation Alleged
Emile Zerbo, the country’s territorial administration Minister, stated that the plane violated national procedures by flying into Burkina Faso “without authorization,” which prompted security agencies to intervene.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — a joint statement from the military governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger — labelled the incident an “unfriendly act” and claimed their investigation confirmed a “violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states.”
The AES, formed by juntas who have since withdrawn from the regional bloc ECOWAS, said its air forces had been placed on maximum alert with orders to “neutralize any aircraft” that breached the confederation’s airspace.
Burkinabè security officials confirmed to the BBC that the two crew members and nine military passengers were released and permitted to continue their journey after initial questioning.
Nigeria Cites Technical Failure
The Nigerian Air Force offered a contrasting account, asserting that a technical fault forced the crew to divert to the nearest available airfield “in accordance with international aviation safety procedures.”
The NAF did not directly confirm reports of detention but stated the personnel were “safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities.” The NAF emphasized that the aircraft would resume its scheduled mission to Portugal.
The incident underscores growing friction between Nigeria and the military governments in the Sahel, which have criticized Nigeria’s involvement in regional security operations and accused it of using their airspace without authorization, particularly following a coup attempt in Benin.
In a related development, Niger, an AES member, has introduced new restrictions on goods entering the country from Nigeria, citing growing security concerns.
