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FG says diplomatic talks ongoing with Burkina Faso over seized NAF C-130 aircraft and 11 detained soldiers
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Foreign Affairs Ministry takes over negotiations as NAF keeps mute
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Burkina Faso, AES accuse crew of airspace violation despite claim of precautionary landing
The Federal Government has said discussions are still ongoing with Burkina Faso over the seizure of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft and the detention of 11 soldiers, noting that both are yet to be released.
The aircraft, its crew and soldiers were seized on Monday after making what the NAF described as a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, while en route to Portugal for routine maintenance due to technical issues.
However, authorities in Burkina Faso and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) accused the crew of entering their airspace without clearance, insisting that this prompted the forced landing of the Hercules aircraft.
Reacting on Sunday, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the Federal Government was actively engaging Burkinabe authorities to resolve the matter through diplomatic channels.
“We are engaging them, but they are yet to be released,” Ebienfa said.
READ ALSO: Burkina Faso Detains Nigerian Military Aircraft, 11 Personnel as FG Intensifies Diplomacy
He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had taken over negotiations to secure the safe release of the aircraft and the detained Nigerian military personnel.
Following this development, the Nigerian Air Force has refrained from further public comment on the issue.
Sources, however, suggested that Burkina Faso, alongside Mali and Niger—former ECOWAS members suspended after military takeovers—may be using the incident as leverage amid economic pressure from regional sanctions.
A retired military officer said the Sahel states believe Nigeria wields significant influence within ECOWAS and may be seeking economic relief or concessions by bargaining with the seized aircraft.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has maintained that efforts remain focused on a peaceful diplomatic resolution.
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