Six days after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso, the 11 Nigerian military personnel on board remain in detention as diplomatic efforts continue to secure their release.
The soldiers and the aircraft were taken into custody by Burkina Faso’s military government over alleged violations of the country’s airspace.
On Tuesday, the Burkinabe government confirmed that the Nigerian Air Force aircraft, which was carrying 11 personnel, was compelled to land after reportedly entering Burkina Faso’s airspace without authorisation. The disclosure was made in a statement published by the state-run Agence d’Information du Burkina on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).
According to the statement, investigations revealed that the aircraft lacked clearance to fly over Burkina Faso, prompting the AES to strongly condemn what it described as a breach of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states.
In response, the Nigerian Air Force assured that the detained personnel are safe and being treated cordially by Burkinabe authorities. The aircraft had been on a ferry mission to Portugal when it developed a technical issue shortly after departing Lagos on December 8, 2025.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, explained that the crew diverted to the nearest available airfield in Bobo-Dioulasso in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation regulations.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has intensified diplomatic engagements to resolve the matter. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Nigeria’s Embassy in Ouagadougou is actively engaging Burkinabe authorities to secure the release of both the personnel and the aircraft.
“The Embassy of Nigeria in Ouagadougou is in talks with the host government to ensure their release,” said the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Wednesday.
However, calls for a tougher response have emerged at home. Former senator representing Ekiti North and APC chieftain, Ayodele Arise, has urged President Bola Tinubu to consider a military option if diplomatic efforts fail.
Speaking on an Arise TV programme on Saturday, Arise argued that Nigeria should not rule out decisive action despite the military’s ongoing commitments against insurgency and banditry within the country.
Citing Israel’s 1976 Entebbe raid in Uganda as an example, he suggested that the threat of force could compel Burkina Faso’s leadership to reconsider its stance.
“We should make a move and do something. Once they know we are serious, I believe the Burkinabe president will rethink his position,” Arise said, adding that while good neighbourly relations are important, Nigeria must assert its sovereignty.
The former lawmaker also expressed support for Nigeria’s recent military intervention in the Republic of Benin to thwart a coup attempt, dismissing claims that President Tinubu acted prematurely or violated constitutional provisions by acting before briefing the National Assembly.
