December 18, 2025 — Dalena Reporters
The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 military aircraft and 11 Nigerian military personnel detained in Burkina Faso following a precautionary landing have been released after sustained high-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
The development was confirmed on Wednesday night by Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who said the aircraft and its crew have been freed and are expected to return to Nigeria.
The release followed a diplomatic mission to Ouagadougou by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who met with President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso on Wednesday at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure the safe resolution of the incident.
Speaking after the delegation’s engagement, Ambassador Tuggar said the talks were conducted in a “spirit of fraternity and neighbourliness”, aimed at reinforcing longstanding bilateral ties and addressing the issue through dialogue. He noted that the discussions covered not only the matter of the detained aircraft and personnel but also broader cooperation on regional security and shared concerns.
Tuggar acknowledged procedural irregularities in the authorisation for the aircraft’s entry into Burkinabe airspace, expressing Nigeria’s regret for the situation while underscoring respect for Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and international aviation protocols. He also distanced the Federal Government from inflammatory comments made by some commentators, stressing a commitment to peaceful resolution and cooperation.
The incident began on December 8, 2025, when the NAF C-130 was forced to make a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, due to a technical issue while on a ferry mission to Portugal. Burkina Faso authorities initially detained the aircraft and its crew, prompting diplomatic outreach by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other security stakeholders.
Security analysts say the successful release marks a diplomatic win for Nigeria and helps avert a potential escalation at a time of heightened regional tensions, particularly involving shifting alliances among West African states.
As of now, no further details have been released regarding the condition of the aircraft or the timeline for its departure from Burkina Faso, but the safe release of the personnel and aircraft is expected to ease anxieties and restore normalcy between both countries’ military and diplomatic establishments.