Burkina Faso releases 11 Nigerian soldiers detained for ‘unauthorized’ aircraft landing

Burkina Faso has released the 11 Nigerian military officers who were detained after their transport aircraft allegedly made an “unauthorised” landing in the country earlier this week.

The officers — two aircrew members and nine additional military personnel — were traveling aboard a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 that landed on Monday in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso, located in western Burkina Faso.

Burkinabè authorities initially detained the personnel and impounded the aircraft, claiming it had entered their airspace without proper clearance. The incident briefly heightened diplomatic tension between both nations.

The unexpected arrival prompted an immediate security response, with defence and intelligence units deployed to assess the situation.

Territorial Administration Minister Emile Zerbo described the landing as a clear violation of national procedures and sovereignty.

The Nigerian government, however, described the stop as a technical emergency while the plane was en route to Portugal.

NAF insisted the diversion was purely a precaution, carried out in accordance with international aviation safety protocols.

Officials confirmed that the officers were treated well and are now safely returning to Nigeria.

The incident has further strained relations between Nigeria and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a bloc of military-led governments including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

AES condemned the landing as an “unfriendly act” and had placed its air forces on maximum alert following the incursion.

The three countries have previously accused Nigeria of overreaching in regional security operations, particularly in Benin, where Nigeria has coordinated interventions against coup threats.

Despite the initial tensions, Burkinabè security officials cleared the Nigerian officers after questioning and allowed them to depart.

The NAF has not confirmed whether the aircraft has been released but maintained that its personnel were treated with respect during the incident.