In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members who were detained nine days ago. This development follows extensive negotiations led by the Nigerian government.
The release occurred shortly after a high-level delegation from Nigeria, headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, engaged with Burkinabè officials, including President Ibrahim Traoré, in Ouagadougou. The delegation comprised senior representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, and NAF Headquarters, all focused on resolving the matter amicably through dialogue.
Minister Tuggar emphasized the historical ties between Nigeria and Burkina Faso, highlighting shared security concerns that necessitated the engagement to enhance mutual understanding and neighborly relations.
During the discussions, Tuggar addressed the incident involving a Nigerian aircraft that made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso, acknowledging procedural irregularities in the authorization for the aircraft’s entry into the country’s airspace. He expressed Nigeria’s regret over the situation and reaffirmed Abuja’s commitment to respecting Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and international aviation standards.
Additionally, Tuggar clarified that the Nigerian government does not endorse remarks made by a political party official regarding alleged mistreatment of Nigerian military personnel in Burkina Faso, expressing sincere apologies to the Burkinabè government for any misunderstanding.
The minister praised President Traoré and his administration for their amicable treatment of the aircraft’s occupants during their detention. He also indicated that the discussions extended to broader regional initiatives aimed at combating terrorism and violent extremism, underscoring the importance of cooperation in addressing these pressing challenges.
