Detained Nigerian Soldiers Finally Depart Burkina Faso

Eleven Nigerian soldiers and their aircraft have departed Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso following their release after 10 days in detention by Burkinabe authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the military aircraft took off minutes earlier with all crew members on board.

“The Nigerian military aircraft and the 11 crew members have taken off from Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso,” Ebienfa said, praising the efforts of Nigeria’s embassy in Burkina Faso and officials at the foreign affairs ministry in Abuja.

The aircraft, which was originally headed to Portugal, will now make a stop in Ghana before continuing its journey after being denied clearance to fly over Malian airspace.

Ebienfa explained that the change in route was necessary due to the refusal of overflight permission by Mali, forcing Nigerian authorities to adjust the flight plan.

Detention Followed Emergency Landing

The soldiers were detained after their aircraft made an unscheduled landing in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8, shortly after departing Lagos for Portugal. The landing was reportedly caused by a technical fault.

Burkina Faso’s military authorities subsequently held the personnel and aircraft, citing alleged airspace violations and describing the incident as a breach of the country’s sovereignty. Investigations conducted by Burkinabe officials and the Confederation of Sahel States reportedly found that the aircraft did not have prior authorisation to enter Burkinabe airspace.

Following days of diplomatic engagements, President Bola Tinubu dispatched a delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, to Ouagadougou to secure the release of the detained personnel.

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Ebienfa confirmed on Wednesday night that the soldiers had been freed after talks with Burkinabe authorities.

The Nigerian Air Force later assured the public that the crew was safe throughout the detention period and was treated courteously. It added that the precautionary landing was carried out in line with international aviation safety standards and protocols.