Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian military personnel who were detained following an emergency landing of a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft in Bobo-Dioulasso, the country’s second-largest city. The detainees, comprising two crew members and nine passengers, were allowed to return to Nigeria, although the status of the aircraft remains unclear.
The Association of Sahel States (AES) described the incident as an “unfriendly act,” noting that the aircraft had entered Burkina Faso’s airspace without prior authorisation. Nigerian officials, however, explained that the landing was unplanned due to a technical issue during a ferry mission to Portugal, conducted in line with international aviation safety protocols. Ehimen Ejodame, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, confirmed that the personnel were treated well and that an investigation into the incident was underway.
The episode attracted regional attention, coming just a day after Nigerian forces conducted airstrikes on a military camp in neighbouring Benin. The strikes targeted personnel linked to an attempted coup, following a seizure of the national broadcaster and the announcement of President Patrice Talon’s removal. Nigerian authorities said the operation was carried out under ECOWAS protocols at the request of Beninese authorities.
Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted the region’s growing instability, calling for urgent investment in security and a reevaluation of democratic institutions. He emphasised that recent events underscored the importance of regional cooperation and vigilance.
In Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their rapid response during the attempted coup in Benin, noting that their swift action helped prevent a takeover. Speaking at a ceremony to decorate newly promoted senior officers, Musa called for continuous readiness and inter-service cooperation, warning that no branch of the military can operate effectively in isolation.
The incident reflects the increasingly complex security landscape in West Africa, where rapid response, coordination, and transparency are critical. Nigerian authorities have pledged continued collaboration with Burkina Faso and ECOWAS to ensure the safety of personnel and uphold regional security commitments.
As tensions persist across the region, the emergency landing episode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between operational necessity and diplomatic protocol in military operations.
Burkina Faso Frees 11 Nigerian Military Personnel After Emergency Landing Incident
