Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members nine days after their detention, following high-level diplomatic intervention by the Federal Government.
Gatekeepers News reports that the release came after a Nigerian delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, concluded diplomatic engagements with Burkinabè authorities in Ouagadougou, including talks with President Ibrahim Traoré.
The delegation, mandated by President Bola Tinubu, comprised senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, and NAF Headquarters, and was tasked with resolving the matter through peaceful and constructive dialogue.
A senior official familiar with the mission told security consultant and counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, that the engagement was aimed at fostering mutual understanding, de-escalating tensions, and securing the release of the detained NAF personnel, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and adherence to international aviation and military protocols.
“The mission points to Nigeria’s preference for diplomacy and neighbourly engagement. It was a confidence-building visit designed to strengthen trust and reaffirm shared responsibilities in addressing the complex security challenges confronting the Sahel,” the source said.
According to the official, the Nigerian delegation also conveyed Abuja’s enduring commitment to regional security collaboration, dialogue and respect for international norms, highlighting the long-standing cooperation between Nigeria, Burkina Faso and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Nigeria and Burkina Faso have traditionally worked together in areas such as security training, intelligence sharing and regional stabilisation, particularly in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism across West Africa.
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.
Following the release authorised by President Traoré, Tuggar met with the 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel.
The Nigerian delegation and the freed NAF personnel are expected to return to Nigeria on Thursday.
