FG Begins Diplomatic Push to Secure Release of Detained Aircraft and Troops in Burkina Faso
- Nigeria has opened diplomatic talks with Burkina Faso to secure the release of a detained C-130 aircraft and its personnel
- The AES accused the aircraft of entering Burkinabe airspace without authorisation and condemned the incident
- The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the crew was safe after making a precautionary landing due to a technical alert
Nigeria has begun formal diplomatic engagements with authorities in Burkina Faso to secure the release of a C-130 aircraft and its personnel currently held in the country.
The detention of the crew entered its third day on Wednesday, with officials confirming that the case has moved fully into the hands of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Source: Getty Images
Punch reported that senior military sources said the soldiers remained in custody and that consultations were underway between both governments. They expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved through dialogue.
Diplomatic channels activated between Abuja and Ouagadougou
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Ouagadougou had opened discussions with Burkinabe officials.
He said the mission was engaging the host authorities to ensure the safe return of the personnel and the aircraft.
Burkina Faso’s state news agency earlier reported that the aircraft was forced to land after allegedly entering the country’s airspace without clearance.
The report quoted the Confederation of Sahel States as saying local investigators found no valid authorisation for the aircraft to fly over Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso alleges airspace violation
The regional bloc criticised the event and described it as an infringement on the sovereignty of its member states. In its statement, the AES said it “condemns with the utmost firmness this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member States.”
Nigerian authorities, however, stated that the landing followed a technical alert detected shortly after the aircraft departed Lagos on December 8. The C130, which was headed to Portugal on a ferry mission, diverted to Bobo Dioulasso in line with international safety procedures.
Source: Twitter
The Nigerian Air Force said the personnel on board were safe and receiving courteous treatment from Burkinabe authorities.
A statement by NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, explained that the crew acted according to global aviation standards.
Ejodame added that plans were being made to continue the original mission once clearance was obtained. He maintained that the Air Force would continue to adhere to strict safety and operational benchmarks.
Benin coup: How Nigeria deployed troops to restore order
Legit.ng also reported that Nigeria deployed fighter jets and ground troops to thwart the attempted coup in the Benin Republic.
Soldiers stormed the state television and announced the dissolution of the government before they were overpowered.
Benin Republic authorities regained control and confirmed that constitutional order had been restored.
Don't miss out! Join Legit.ng's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Source: Legit.ng
