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Burkina Faso releases 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel following high-level diplomatic talks between Abuja and Ouagadougou
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Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar led the delegation, engaging Burkina Faso’s leadership, including President Ibrahim Traoré
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Release underscores Nigeria’s commitment to diplomacy, regional security cooperation and Sahel stability
Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members nine days after their detention, following sustained diplomatic engagement by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The release came shortly after a Nigerian delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, concluded high-level discussions with Burkinabè authorities in Ouagadougou, including meetings with President Ibrahim Traoré.
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The delegation comprised senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, and was mandated to resolve the issue through dialogue and peaceful engagement.
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A senior official familiar with the talks said the mission focused on fostering mutual understanding, de-escalating tensions and securing the safe release of the detained NAF personnel, while reaffirming Nigeria’s respect for international aviation and military protocols.
According to the source, the visit reflected Nigeria’s preference for diplomacy and neighbourly relations, describing it as a confidence-building engagement aimed at strengthening trust and reinforcing shared responsibilities in addressing security challenges across the Sahel region.
The Nigerian delegation also reiterated Abuja’s commitment to regional security cooperation, dialogue and adherence to international norms, noting the long-standing collaboration between Nigeria, Burkina Faso and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Nigeria and Burkina Faso have historically worked together on security training, intelligence sharing and regional stabilisation, particularly in efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa.
Officials expressed optimism that the successful resolution of the incident would deepen bilateral relations and strengthen collective efforts to promote peace, stability and security across the region.
