Nigerian Air Force Officers Released in Burkina Faso: Fresh Development Emerges
- President Bola Tinubu's minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has disclosed that the released Nigerian soldiers from Burkina Faso are now in Ghana
- Tuggar made the development known in a statement on his social media page on Tuesday, adding that they were en route to Portugal
- The military personnel have been detained following an unscheduled landing of the aircraft in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8 because of a technical issue after it departed Lagos en route to Portugal
The 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel and their aircraft have reportedly left Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso, as they were released after spending 10 days in detention.
Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the development in a statement on his social media page on Friday, December 19.
Source: Twitter
Nigeria vs Burkina Faso: Tinubu minister opens up
The minister disclosed that the aircraft would fly to Ghana before it en route to Portugal. His statement reads in part:
"Following my engagement in Burkina Faso, the pilots and crew of NAF C-130 (913) have been formally cleared to depart and are currently en route to Portugal via Accra."
The military personnel have been detained following an unscheduled landing of the aircraft in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8 because of a technical issue after it departed Lagos en route to Portugal.
Nigerians react as Tinubu's minister speaks
The minister's comment has started generating reactions from some Nigerians. Below are some of their reactions:
Malik thanked the minister:
"This is what leadership through diplomacy looks like. Calm engagement, regional cooperation, and clear results. Well done to all involved. Thank you, Minister."
The Mayor commended the minister:
"Thank you for your tireless efforts in securing the safe release of the NAF C-130 crew and aircraft. Your diplomatic engagement and commitment to peaceful resolution truly reflect Nigeria's strength and leadership."
Source: Twitter
The Vyktur praised the minister's efforts:
"This is another positive outcome for Nigeria. It shows that dialogue and regional cooperation work. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s calm and visionary leadership once again proved decisive, resolving a sensitive issue through peaceful and constructive diplomacy."
Ikenna spoke on the importance of gentle engagement:
"Another strong signal that calm engagement works. This resolution highlights Nigeria’s diplomatic maturity and President Tinubu’s steady hand in navigating complex regional issues."
Ubaidullah Yahaya Kaura praised the minister's leadership:
"The outcome showcases exemplary leadership and strategic diplomacy, with Nigeria securing the release of its troops through a diplomatic engagement with Burkina Faso."
Akanni faults the fake report on the development:
"And some people came on X to lie that Portugal denied knowing that they were coming. Fake News and lies will end some people on this app. Great work, sir. And congratulations to all the sensible Nigerians."
See the minister's full statement here:
Nigeria reacts as coup plot failed in Benin
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigeria has reacted to the attempted military coup in its neighbouring country, the Republic of Benin, where some soldiers moved to forcefully remove President Patrice Talon from office.
Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed the position of the federal government in a statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry's spokesperson, on Sunday, December 7.
This came weeks after the military announced a takeover in Guinea-Bissau, making it the fifth West African country to experience democratic disruption.
Source: Legit.ng
