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Breaking News: Burkina Faso Releases Detained Nigerian Air Force Crew

BREAKING NEWS: Burkina Faso Releases Detained Nigerian Air Force Crew and C-130 Aircraft

Ouagadougou, December 18, 2025 — Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel and a C-130 Hercules aircraft that had been held for nine days following an unscheduled landing, ending a diplomatic standoff that raised concerns across West Africa.

The aircraft had departed Lagos on December 8 en route to Portugal for scheduled maintenance when it developed a technical fault shortly after takeoff. In line with international aviation safety procedures, the crew carried out a precautionary landing at Bobo-Dioulasso Airport in southwestern Burkina Faso.

From Safety Landing to Diplomatic Standoff

What initially appeared to be a routine aviation safety measure quickly escalated into a diplomatic issue. Authorities within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—which includes Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—expressed suspicion over the unscheduled landing, describing it as an “unfriendly act” and a possible violation of sovereignty.

The stance heightened fears that the Nigerian personnel and aircraft could become entangled in broader regional political tensions, particularly amid strained relations between Nigeria and the AES bloc.

High-Level Talks Secure Release

The breakthrough followed a high-level diplomatic intervention led by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, acting on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ambassador Tuggar travelled to Ouagadougou, where he held direct talks with Burkina Faso’s transitional leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. During the discussions, Nigerian officials clarified that the flight was strictly for maintenance purposes and not connected to espionage or hostile activity.

Nigeria also expressed regret over any procedural lapses surrounding flight authorization while maintaining that the landing was dictated solely by safety concerns.

Official Confirmation

Confirmation of the release came late Wednesday night from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The personnel have been released. I have just confirmed this with our Head of Mission in Burkina Faso,” said Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the ministry.

Regional Significance

Analysts say the development represents a significant de-escalation at a time of heightened political and security tensions across the Sahel. The resolution is being viewed as a signal that diplomatic engagement remains viable between Nigeria and the AES states despite recent disagreements.

The released NAF personnel and the C-130 aircraft are expected to return to Nigeria later today, with arrangements underway for their arrival at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Abuja.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.

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