Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian soldiers and an aircraft that had been detained for 10 days following an emergency landing, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The soldiers, part of a Nigerian Air Force crew, were held after their aircraft made an unscheduled landing in Ouagadougou due to technical issues. The incident sparked diplomatic tensions between the two West African nations, with Nigeria demanding the immediate release of its personnel.
According to sources, the breakthrough came after several rounds of negotiations led by Nigerian diplomats, who engaged directly with Burkina Faso’s military authorities. The talks emphasized regional cooperation and the importance of maintaining strong ties between neighboring states.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed relief at the resolution, stating that the soldiers had been treated fairly during their detention and were now safely back under Nigerian custody. “We commend the efforts of our diplomatic team and appreciate Burkina Faso’s cooperation in resolving this matter,” the ministry said in a statement.
The aircraft, which had been grounded at Ouagadougou International Airport, was also released and is expected to undergo maintenance before resuming operations.
Burkina Faso’s government explained that the detention was a precautionary measure, citing security concerns in the region. Officials stressed that the decision to release the soldiers was made in the spirit of regional solidarity and mutual respect.
The incident had raised concerns among regional observers, given the fragile security situation across West Africa, where countries are battling insurgencies and instability. Analysts warned that prolonged detention could have strained relations between Nigeria and Burkina Faso at a time when cooperation is crucial.
Nigerian military officials praised the professionalism of the detained soldiers, noting that they remained calm and disciplined throughout the ordeal. “Their conduct reflects the values of our armed forces,” one senior officer remarked.
The release has been welcomed by regional organizations, including ECOWAS, which has been working to strengthen collaboration among member states in addressing security challenges.
With the matter resolved, both nations have pledged to deepen military and diplomatic cooperation, ensuring that similar incidents are handled swiftly in the future.
