Burkina Faso has freed eleven personnel from the Nigerian Air Force who were held following an emergency landing earlier this month, marking a resolution achieved through diplomatic channels.
Diplomatic Resolution Ends Detention
On Wednesday, 17 December 2025, the military government in Burkina Faso, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, released the detained Nigerians. The breakthrough came after meetings with a delegation from Nigeria headed by its Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar.
Minister Tuggar confirmed the release in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, 18 December. He stated, "Through sustained dialogue, we also resolved the matter concerning Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew, reaffirming the effectiveness of diplomacy in addressing sensitive issues."
Alkasim Abdulkadir, a spokesperson for the minister, told The Associated Press that "Matters have been resolved, they are no longer detained." The group comprised two flight crew members and nine passengers.
Context of the Emergency Landing
The incident began on 8 December, when a Nigerian Air Force aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in western Burkina Faso. Officials stated the plane was en route to Portugal for scheduled maintenance at the time.
The Nigerian Air Force asserted that the landing was conducted in full compliance with international guidelines and standard safety procedures. Following the release, Nigerian foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the crew would now proceed to fly the aircraft to Portugal to complete its planned maintenance.
Regional Tensions and Aftermath
The emergency landing occurred against a backdrop of significant regional friction. The Alliance of Sahel States – a confederation comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger – reacted strongly to the incident. General Assimi Goita, leader of Mali's junta, issued a statement authorising the alliance's air and anti-air defences to be placed on maximum alert, with powers "to neutralize any aircraft that violates the confederation’s airspace."
Relations between the Alliance and Nigeria have been strained. Nigeria, a leading member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), was involved in efforts to reverse a short-lived coup in Benin earlier in December. The Nigerian Air Force conducted airstrikes targeting the coup plotters in Benin, which shares borders with both Burkina Faso and Nigeria.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger had previously withdrawn from ECOWAS, accusing the bloc of imposing inhumane sanctions and working against their citizens' interests. As part of the resolution to this incident, Nigeria and Burkina Faso agreed to hold regular consultations and take steps to deepen bilateral cooperation and regional integration.
