The Federal Government has confirmed that diplomatic discussions are still ongoing over the detention of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft and 11 soldiers by authorities in Burkina Faso, noting that both the aircraft and personnel have not yet been released.
The aircraft was seized on Monday after it made what was described as a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. According to the Nigerian Air Force, the plane was en route to Portugal for routine maintenance when it developed technical faults, prompting the emergency landing.
However, the Burkinabe government, alongside the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), accused the NAF crew of entering its airspace without the required clearance, an allegation cited as the reason the Hercules aircraft was compelled to land.
Speaking on the matter on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the Federal Government was actively engaging Burkinabe authorities to resolve the situation through diplomatic channels.
“We are engaging them, but they are yet to be released,” Ebienfa stated.
He explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken over the negotiations to ensure the safe release of both the aircraft and the detained Nigerian military personnel.
Following the takeover of the talks by the ministry, the Nigerian Air Force has remained silent on the issue.
While official details of the negotiations have not been made public, some retired NAF officers have expressed concern over the implications of detaining a military aircraft that reportedly encountered an emergency.
One retired officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the incident may be linked to broader regional tensions.
“My observation is that the blockade of trade and movement of goods by ECOWAS, which these three countries believe Nigeria has significant influence over, has seriously affected them economically,” he said.
“France no longer does business with them, and they are under pressure. They may see this situation as an opportunity to use Nigeria as leverage to negotiate economic relief or assistance by holding on to the military aircraft. That, however, is my personal opinion,” he added.
Diplomatic efforts are expected to continue as the Federal Government works towards a peaceful resolution and the release of the detained aircraft and personnel.
