Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian military personnel detained after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made what authorities in the West African nation described as an “unauthorised” emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, its second-largest city.
The released personnel—two crew members and nine passengers—were cleared to return to Nigeria following two days of intense diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Ouagadougou. However, it remains unclear whether the detained aircraft has also been released.
The development was disclosed on Thursday by journalist Oseni Rufai via his social media handle, signalling a de-escalation of what had threatened to become a diplomatic flashpoint between the two countries.
The aircraft had reportedly landed due to an emergency situation, but Burkinabe authorities held the personnel for questioning, citing procedural breaches. The detentions prompted swift diplomatic intervention from Nigeria’s foreign and defence authorities, leading to their eventual release.
READ ALSO: Burkina Faso Releases Detained Nigerian Military Officers After C-130 Emergency Landing
The incident comes at a time of heightened regional sensitivities, with West African governments increasingly cautious about cross-border military activity.
Nigeria has yet to issue an official statement regarding the condition and status of the aircraft or details of the diplomatic negotiations that led to the personnel’s release.