Detained Nigerian Soldiers Arrive Safely After Release by Burkina Faso

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By Alofe Ayomoses

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has confirmed that Nigerian soldiers recently released by authorities in Burkina Faso have arrived safely at an Air Force base in Accra, Ghana.

Tuggar announced the development on Friday evening via a post on X, stating that the personnel arrived aboard a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft.

“I can confirm that the pilots and crew of NAF C-130 (913) have safely arrived at the Air Force Base in Accra,” the minister wrote.

He said the development underscored Nigeria’s commitment to resolving international issues through diplomacy and regional cooperation.

“The successful outcome reflects Nigeria’s commitment to diplomacy, regional cooperation, and the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in resolving sensitive matters through dialogue,” Tuggar added.

Background to the Incident

The soldiers were detained after their aircraft made an unscheduled landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, on December 8, following a technical fault shortly after departing Lagos en route to Portugal.

Burkina Faso’s military authorities subsequently held the personnel and the aircraft, citing alleged violations of the country’s airspace and describing the incident as a breach of sovereignty.

Investigations by the Confederation of Sahel States and Burkinabe officials reportedly indicated that the aircraft did not receive prior authorisation to enter Burkinabe airspace.

Diplomatic Engagement

Following days of diplomatic efforts, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the dispatch of a high-level delegation led by Tuggar to Ouagadougou to engage Burkinabe authorities on the matter.

On Wednesday night, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the release of the detained soldiers.

“The soldiers have been released. I just confirmed with our Head of Mission in Burkina Faso,” Ebienfa said.

The resolution of the incident highlights Nigeria’s continued reliance on dialogue, diplomacy and regional cooperation in addressing cross-border security and aviation-related issues.