Nigeria rage over detention of military aircraft, 11 personnel by Burkina Faso junta

By Ade Ade

Nigeria has expressed outrage over the detention of its military aircraft, crew and passengers by authorities in Burkina Faso, following an emergency landing by a Nigerian Air Force C-130 transport plane in the West African nation.

The ruling junta in Burkina Faso confirmed late Monday that it had detained 11 Nigerian military personnel, two crew members and nine passengers, after the aircraft allegedly entered Burkinabe airspace without authorisation.

In a statement issued by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a regional bloc comprising Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, the junta said the aircraft was compelled to land in Bobo Dioulasso on 8 December 2025 due to an in-flight emergency.

“The Confederation of the Sahel States informs the public that an aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a C130 type, was forced to land today, 8 December 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency situation, while it was operating in Burkinabe airspace,” the AES said.

The bloc, led by military regimes in the three Sahelian nations, stated that the Nigerian aircraft entered its airspace without prior clearance, prompting authorities to secure the plane and its occupants pending investigation.

The development has triggered diplomatic tension, with Nigerian officials insisting the mission was on a legitimate assignment and seeking the immediate release of the aircraft and personnel.

Further updates are expected as diplomatic engagements intensify between Abuja and Ouagadougou.