The Federal Government of Nigeria is intensifying diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Nigerian soldiers and a C-130 military aircraft currently detained in Burkina Faso. This situation has escalated as the soldiers and the aircraft have been held for three days due to alleged violations of Burkina Faso’s airspace.
According to Nigerian military sources, the matter is now in the hands of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is actively engaging with Burkinabe authorities to facilitate their release. A spokesperson for the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Ouagadougou is in discussions with the host government to resolve the issue.
Burkina Faso’s military government claimed that the aircraft, carrying 11 soldiers, was forced to land after violating its airspace. An official statement indicated that Burkinabe authorities are investigating this incident, highlighting that the aircraft did not have the necessary authorization to operate over their territory.
In response to the incident, the Nigerian Air Force reported that the personnel on board the C-130, which was on a ferry mission to Portugal, are safe and receiving proper treatment. The aircraft was forced to make a precautionary landing after the crew detected a technical issue shortly after departing from Lagos on December 8.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, reassured the public that plans are in place to resume the mission while emphasizing the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining strict operational standards and safety protocols.
The diplomatic talks reflect the Nigerian government’s urgency to mitigate the situation and ensure the safe return of its personnel and equipment.
