Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel who were detained after a Nigerian C-130 aircraft made a forced landing in Bobo Dioulasso due to technical issues. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed their release on Wednesday December 17 night, by stating: “Yes, they have been released”.
The personnel were released following a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Burkina Faso’s junta leader, Ibrahim Traoré.
The aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal when it experienced technical problems, prompting the crew to make a precautionary landing. The incident sparked tensions, with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) describing it as an “unfriendly act” and a breach of sovereignty. However, Nigeria maintained that the landing was in line with international aviation protocols.
