Burkina Faso releases detained Nigerian Air Force aircraft, 11 personnel

Burkina Faso has released a Nigerian Air Force aircraft and 11 personnel.

The NAF C-130 aircraft carrying 11 personnel on a ferry mission to Portugal made a force landing in Bobo Dioulasso following technical issues two weeks ago.

NAF Director of Public Relations,  Mr. Ehimen Ejodame, said the crew landed at the nearest airfield for safety in line with international aviation protocols.

But, the Mali junta leader, Assimi Goita, speaking for the Confederation of Sahel States, described the precautionary landing as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law.”

Goita warned that members of the Sahel States would neutralize an aircraft violating their airspace.

However, the Nigerian government confirmed the release of the aircraft and 11 personnel.

Their release followed a meeting between delegation of the Nigerian government led by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Yusuf Tuggar, and Burkina Faso junta leader, Mr. Ibrahim Traoré, in Ouagadougou.

Tuggar, who led a Nigerian delegation at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, briefed journalists on the outcome.

Confirming the development on Wednesday night, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said: “Yes, they have been released.”