The Nigerian government has confirmed that its soldiers remain in the custody of authorities in Burkina Faso following a precautionary landing by a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in the West African country, an incident that has drawn regional attention and diplomatic engagement.
A spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told journalists that Abuja is actively engaging with the Burkinabe government to resolve the situation through diplomatic channels. The spokesperson emphasised that discussions are ongoing and that Nigeria is committed to a peaceful and mutually respectful resolution.
Earlier, the Nigerian Air Force explained that the C 130 aircraft involved made an unscheduled landing in Burkina Faso on Monday purely for safety reasons. According to the NAF, the flight crew detected a technical concern during the journey and opted to land as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment on board.
The clarification comes amid media reports suggesting that Burkina Faso and members of the Alliance of Sahel States, a regional bloc comprising military led governments in the Sahel, accused Nigeria of violating Burkina Faso’s airspace. Nigerian officials have not publicly responded in detail to those allegations but have maintained that the landing was neither hostile nor intentional.
Diplomatic sources indicate that the incident is being handled delicately due to broader regional tensions and shifting alliances in West Africa, particularly following a series of coups and the emergence of new security blocs. Nigeria, a key regional power and a leading member of ECOWAS, has repeatedly stressed the importance of dialogue, respect for sovereignty and cooperation in addressing security challenges across the Sahel.
For now, Nigerian authorities say their priority remains the welfare and safe return of the soldiers involved, while ensuring that relations with Burkina Faso are not further strained. The government has expressed confidence that continued diplomatic engagement will lead to a resolution acceptable to both countries.
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