Burkina Faso Hands Over 11 Nigerian Air Force Members After Diplomatic Engagement

Nine days after being detained, 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members were ultimately freed from Burkina Faso thanks to high-level diplomatic intervention by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

According to the source, the announcement was made soon after a Nigerian delegation headed by Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, wrapped off discussions with President Ibrahim Traoré and other Burkinabè officials in Ouagadougou.

Senior representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the NAF Headquarters made up the delegation, which was tasked with using conversation to find a constructive and peaceful solution to the issue.

The engagement was intended to promote mutual understanding, defuse tensions, and secure the release of the detained NAF personnel while reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and adherence to international aviation and military protocols, a senior official familiar with the mission told Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency reporter in Lake Chad.

Nigeria prefers diplomacy and neighborly involvement, according to the delegation. According to the source, the visit was intended to boost confidence and reinforce shared responsibility in tackling the intricate security issues facing the Sahel.

The official noted the long history of cooperation between Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and said that the Nigerian delegation also communicated Abuja’s unwavering commitment to regional security cooperation, communication, and respect for international norms.

Nigeria and Burkina Faso have long worked together on security training, intelligence sharing, and regional stabilization initiatives, especially in the battle against violent extremism and terrorism throughout West Africa.

The smooth resolution of the incident, according to officials, will strengthen bilateral understanding and support regional efforts to advance peace, stability, and security.