Burkina Faso has released eleven Nigerian military officers who were detained after their Air Force transport aircraft made an unauthorised landing in the country, officials said on Tuesday.
The officers were cleared to return home after Burkinabè authorities completed initial checks amid suspicions that they had been involved in the Benin coup rescue.
The personnel were aboard a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 that Abuja described as making a “technical emergency landing” on Monday in the western city of Bobo-Dioulasso while en route to Portugal. Burkinabè authorities, however, said the aircraft had entered their airspace without clearance.
AES Claims Airspace “Violation”
According to the country’s territorial administration Minister Emile Zerbo, the plane violated national procedures when it flew into Burkina Faso “without authorisation,” prompting security agencies to intervene.
In a joint statement, the military governments of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger: the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), said their investigation confirmed a “violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states.”
The AES labelled the incident an “unfriendly act” and said its air forces had been placed on maximum alert, with orders to “neutralise any aircraft” that breached the confederation’s airspace.
According to the bloc, the aircraft carried two crew members and nine military passengers. Burkinabè security officials told the BBC the officers were released after initial questioning and permitted to depart.
Nigeria Cites Technical Failure
The Nigerian Air Force offered a contrasting account, saying a technical fault forced the crew to divert to the nearest available airfield “in accordance with international aviation safety procedures.”
It added that the personnel were “safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities,” without directly confirming reports that they had been detained.
Sahel Juntas Criticise Nigerian Involvement
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, which had also experienced successful coups, have since criticised Nigeria’s involvement in regional security operations, particularly in Benin, accusing it of using their airspace without authorisation.
The three states withdrew from Ecowas earlier this year, citing political interference and a failure to address security challenges.
Since then, the juntas have strengthened ties within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), distanced themselves further from Western partners, including France, and expanded cooperation with Russia.
Niger Introduces Security Measures
Colonel Mohamed Yacouba Siddo said, “For security requirements, all goods originating from Nigeria must be unloaded and inspected at the entry offices before any transit formalities,” the directive stated.
Mission Expected to Resume
In defence of its actions, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said the aircraft would resume its scheduled mission to Portugal, despite recent operations in Benin, and emphasised that it remained committed to “operational procedures and safety standards.”
