Burkina Faso has released 11 personnel of the Nigerian Air Force nine days after their detention, following what Nigerian officials described as intensive diplomatic engagements between Abuja and Ouagadougou.
The airmen, comprising pilots and crew members of the Nigerian Air Force, were freed shortly after a high-level Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, concluded talks with Burkinabè authorities in the capital.
The development was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, as the release followed “sustained diplomatic engagement and dialogue at the highest levels.”
According to a statement sighted on X, the engagements included a meeting with Burkina Faso’s leader, Ibrahim Traoré, during which Nigeria pressed for the immediate release of its detained personnel.
Speaking after the breakthrough, Tuggar said the outcome underscored the importance Nigeria places on diplomacy and regional cooperation. “We engaged our brothers in Burkina Faso frankly and constructively, and we are pleased that our personnel have now been released,” he said, noting that Nigeria remained committed to resolving misunderstandings through dialogue.
The statement also clearly explained the circumstances surrounding the flight and assured the Burkinabè authorities of Nigeria’s respect for their sovereignty,” adding that the matter was handled “in a spirit of African solidarity.
Burkinabè officials, in turn, acknowledged the discussions and agreed that continued cooperation between Nigeria and Burkina Faso was essential, particularly as both countries confront shared security challenges in the Sahel.
The released air force personnel are expected to return to Nigeria after routine administrative procedures, while diplomatic sources said both sides agreed to strengthen communication channels to prevent similar incidents in the future.