The 11 Nigerian military personnel who were detained by Burkina Faso authorities after a cargo aircraft from Lagos made an unexpected emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, have been released.
The regional bloc known as the Association of Sahel States (AES) described the incident as an “unfriendly act,” saying the C-130 aircraft entered Burkina Faso’s airspace without prior approval.
Officials in Burkina Faso confirmed that the two crew members and nine passengers were cleared to return to Nigeria, though it remains uncertain whether the aircraft itself was released.
Nigerian authorities explained on Tuesday that the plane diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso due to a technical issue during its trip to Portugal for a ferry operation. They said the landing followed standard safety measures and international aviation procedures.
The Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, said investigations were ongoing, but did not clarify whether or not the landing had prior clearance. He however noted that the detained personnel were treated respectfully and that arrangements were being made to resume the mission.
