The eleven Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel who made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso have been released and are now free, easing concerns over their safety and diplomatic relations between both countries.
The airmen were temporarily detained after their aircraft reportedly made an unscheduled landing in Burkina Faso due to technical reasons. Their presence triggered security protocols by Burkinabe authorities, who held them for questioning while investigations were conducted to clarify the circumstances surrounding the landing.
Sources confirmed that following diplomatic engagement and military-to-military communication between Nigeria and Burkina Faso, the issue was resolved amicably, leading to the release of the Nigerian personnel. No injuries were reported, and the situation was handled without escalation.
The development underscores ongoing regional cooperation among West African countries, particularly in the areas of security coordination and crisis management, amid heightened concerns over airspace violations and insurgency threats in the Sahel region.
Nigerian authorities have yet to release full details of the incident but reassured the public that all affected personnel are safe and accounted for.