Pilots and crew members of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) who were detained by authorities in Burkina Faso have arrived safely at an Air Force base in Accra, Ghana.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed the development on Friday evening in a post on X.
According to him, the personnel landed in Accra without incident after their release earlier in the week.
Tuggar Confirms Safe Arrival
“I can confirm that the pilots and crew of NAF C-130 (913) have safely arrived at the Air Force Base in Accra. The successful outcome reflects Nigeria’s commitment to diplomacy, regional cooperation, and the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in resolving sensitive matters through dialogue,” Tuggar wrote.
The crew had remained in custody after their aircraft made a forced precautionary landing in Burkina Faso.
Why Burkina Faso Detained the Crew
Authorities in Burkina Faso initially described the landing as an unfriendly act.
They raised concerns under international law following the aircraft’s arrival in Bobo-Dioulasso.
However, the Nigerian Air Force clarified that the crew detected a technical issue mid-flight.
It said the pilots followed standard aviation safety procedures by landing at the nearest available airfield.
Diplomatic Mission Secures Release
The release followed a diplomatic mission to Ouagadougou on December 17.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dispatched the delegation to engage Burkina Faso’s leadership.
The team, led by Tuggar, met with the country’s junta leader, Ibrahim Traoré.
Both sides agreed to resolve the matter through dialogue.
Nigeria, Burkina Faso Pledge Cooperation
According to Tuggar’s spokesperson, Alkasim Abdulkadir, discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties.
The talks covered political, security, and economic cooperation.
They also addressed shared regional security challenges in West Africa.
Observers say the safe release of the crew has boosted Nigeria–Burkina Faso relations.
The incident has also reinforced Nigeria’s preference for diplomacy in resolving regional disputes.
Read also: Burkina Faso Releases Detained Nigerian Military Officers
