Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian military personnel detained after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made what authorities described as an “unauthorised” emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, the country’s second largest city.
The Association of Sahel States (AES) announced that the aircraft had entered Burkina Faso’s airspace without clearance, describing the incident as an “unfriendly act”.
The two crew members and nine passengers have now been permitted to return to Nigeria, although it remains unclear whether the aircraft itself has been released.
Nigeria’s authorities said on Tuesday that the plane developed a technical issue and made an unplanned stop “in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols” while en route to Portugal for a ferry mission.
Ehimen Ejodame, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, declined to comment on whether the aircraft had authorisation to land. He confirmed that an investigation was underway and said the personnel were treated well by Burkinabè authorities, adding that the mission would continue.
The incident has drawn increased regional attention as it occurred a day after Nigerian airstrikes at a military camp in neighbouring Benin, where personnel linked to an attempted coup were reportedly hiding.
A spokesperson for the Nigerian government said the airstrikes were carried out in line with ECOWAS protocols following a request from Beninese authorities after soldiers seized the national broadcaster and announced the removal of President Patrice Talon.
Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, said the region was facing heightened instability.
“Events of the last few weeks have shown the imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community,” he told the bloc’s mediation and security council in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), has urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to maintain continuous readiness in response to emerging security threats within the country and across the region.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the decoration ceremony for newly promoted senior officers of the Nigerian Army, Musa commended the military for its rapid intervention during the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin on Sunday, saying their response played a role in preventing the takeover.
“Let me at this juncture commend members of the Armed Forces for their swift and professional response to the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin,” he said. “Your prompt action helped ensure that the coup failed.
This is the standard Nigerians expect, and you must always be ready 24/7 to respond to threats against our nation or our allies.”
Musa noted that the evolving security environment requires stronger cooperation across all branches of the military, warning that no service can operate effectively in isolation. “Jointness and inter-service cooperation are indispensable,” he said.
