Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members, nine days after their detention, following a high-level diplomatic intervention by the Federal Government.
The release came after a Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, concluded engagements with Burkinabè authorities in Ouagadougou, including talks with President Ibrahim Traoré.
The delegation, comprising senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence and the NAF Headquarters, was mandated to pursue a peaceful and constructive resolution through dialogue.
A senior official familiar with the mission told security consultant and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, that the engagement focused on fostering mutual understanding, de-escalating tensions and securing the release of the detained personnel, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and adherence to international aviation and military protocols.
“The mission underscored Nigeria’s preference for diplomacy and neighbourly engagement. It was a confidence-building visit aimed at strengthening trust and reaffirming shared responsibilities in addressing the complex security challenges in the Sahel”, the source said.
According to the official, the delegation also conveyed Abuja’s enduring commitment to regional security collaboration, dialogue and respect for international norms, noting the long-standing cooperation between Nigeria, Burkina Faso and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Officials expressed optimism that the successful resolution of the incident would further strengthen bilateral relations and reinforce collective efforts to promote peace, stability and security in the region.
After securing their release, Tuggar met with the 11 NAF personnel. Both the delegation and the released officers are expected to return to Nigeria on Thursday.
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