The 11 Nigerian military personnel detained in Burkina Faso following an emergency landing of a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft have been released, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The soldiers, comprising two crew and nine passengers, were granted permission to return to Nigeria. However, the status of the seized aircraft remains unclear and subject to further diplomatic engagement.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, was described by the AES bloc (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) as an “unauthorised” entry, while Nigeria maintains it was a precautionary landing due to a technical fault, in line with international aviation protocols.
The release comes amid heightened regional tensions, following Nigeria’s airstrikes in Benin Republic over the weekend to help quell a coup attempt.
Disclaimer:
This report is based on statements from authorities in Burkina Faso and Nigeria. The final resolution regarding the detained aircraft is still pending.
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