Burkina Faso has released a Nigerian Air Force aircraft and 11 military personnel who were detained following a forced landing, the Nigerian government confirmed Wednesday night. The development follows a high-level diplomatic engagement between Nigeria’s Foreign Minister and the leader of Burkina Faso’s military junta.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, met with Burkina Faso’s junta leader, Ibrahim Traoré, in the capital Ouagadougou. This meeting, initiated at the request of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, appears to have been instrumental in resolving the diplomatic standoff.

The Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft and its crew were detained nearly two weeks ago after making an unscheduled landing in Bobo Dioulasso. The aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal at the time of the incident.

According to the Nigerian Air Force, the crew initiated a precautionary landing due to a technical issue. This action was taken in accordance with international aviation protocols, seeking the nearest suitable airfield for safety.

However, the landing had drawn sharp criticism from some regional leaders. Mali’s junta leader, Assimi Goita, speaking for the Confederation of Sahel States, characterized the landing as an “unfriendly act” and a violation of international law.

Goita had warned that member states were authorized to neutralize aircraft that infringed upon their airspace, raising concerns about the potential escalation of the situation.

The release of the aircraft and personnel signifies a de-escalation of tensions and highlights the importance of diplomatic dialogue in resolving such incidents.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the release, stating, “Yes, they have been released.” The successful resolution underscores Nigeria’s commitment to diplomatic solutions for its citizens and assets abroad.

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Keywords: Burkina Faso, Nigerian aircraft release, military personnel detention, Yusuf Tuggar, Ibrahim Traoré, forced landing, Sahel States, diplomatic meeting