By Comfort Asemota
The Federal Government has confirmed the release of a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft and 11 soldiers who were detained in Burkina Faso following a forced landing.
The announcement was made Wednesday night by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who said, “Yes, they have been released.”
The release followed a diplomatic visit by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, who met with Burkina Faso junta leader Ibrahim Traoré in Ouagadougou. Tuggar led a Nigerian delegation at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, according to a press briefing.
The incident occurred nearly two weeks ago when the Nigerian Air Force aircraft, carrying 11 soldiers on a ferry mission to Portugal, made a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso due to a technical issue. The Director of Public Relations of the Nigerian Air Force, Ehimen Ejodame, said the landing was conducted in line with international aviation protocols.
Earlier, the Mali junta leader, Assimi Goita, speaking for the Confederation of Sahel States, described the landing as an “unfriendly act in defiance of international law,” warning that member states were authorised to neutralise aircraft violating their airspace.
The successful release marks a positive outcome from diplomatic efforts and underscores Nigeria’s commitment to resolving international aviation incidents peacefully.
