Burkina Faso released 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel nine days after their detention, following what Nigerian officials described as intense diplomatic engagements between Abuja and Ouagadougou.
The airmen, made up of Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew, were released shortly after a high-level Nigerian delegation led by Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar concluded talks with Burkinabe authorities in the capital.
The news was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, as the release came after “sustained diplomatic engagement and dialogue at the highest level.”
According to a statement seen on
Speaking after the breakthrough, Tuggar said the result underlines the importance Nigeria places on diplomacy and regional cooperation. “We engaged with our brothers in Burkina Faso in a frank and constructive manner, and we are pleased that our personnel have been released,” he said, noting that Nigeria remained committed to resolving misunderstandings through dialogue.
The statement also clearly explained the circumstances surrounding the flight and assured the Burkinabé authorities of Nigeria’s respect for their sovereignty,” adding that the matter was handled “in a spirit of African solidarity.”
Burkinabé officials, in turn, acknowledged the discussions and agreed that continued cooperation between Nigeria and Burkina Faso was essential, particularly as both countries face shared security challenges in the Sahel.
The released air force personnel are expected to return to Nigeria after routine administrative procedures, while diplomatic sources said both sides agreed to strengthen communication channels to avoid similar incidents in the future.
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