Nigerian soldiers remain detained in Burkina Faso six days after NAF aircraft landing

Six days after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso, the 11 military personnel on board remain in detention as diplomatic efforts intensify to resolve the standoff.

The soldiers and the aircraft were seized by Burkina Faso’s military government over alleged violations of the country’s airspace.

On Tuesday, the Burkina Faso government said a Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying 11 soldiers was forced to land after reportedly violating its airspace.

The disclosure was reported by Agence d’Information du Burkina, the state-run news agency, which published a statement from the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).

The statement said an investigation by Burkinabe authorities “highlighted the absence of authorisation to fly over the territory of Burkina Faso for this military device”.

The AES condemned the incident as a violation of sovereignty, saying it “condemns with the utmost firmness this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member States”.

Reacting, the Nigerian Air Force said personnel on board the aircraft were safe and receiving cordial treatment from Burkinabe authorities.

The aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal when it made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso after the crew detected a technical concern shortly after takeoff from Lagos on December 8, 2025.

In a statement on Tuesday, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, said the crew diverted to the nearest airfield in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.

The federal government has since commenced diplomatic engagements to secure the release of the soldiers and the aircraft.

Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the ministry of foreign affairs, said the Nigerian embassy in Ouagadougou was engaging host authorities to resolve the matter.

“The Embassy of Nigeria in Ouagadougou is engaging with the host authorities to secure their release,” Ebienfa said.