Nigeria Engages Diplomatically After Burkina Faso Holds NAF C-130 Aircraft, 11 Personnel
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has intervened diplomatically in a dispute with Burkina Faso following the refusal by the West African nation to release a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 transport aircraft and 11 military personnel.
The incident stems from an emergency landing made by the Nigerian C-130 on 8 December 2025 in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso’s second-largest city. The Nigerian Air Force has said the aircraft diverted to the airfield due to a technical issue, describing the touchdown as a precautionary landing in line with international aviation safety protocols. The crew and passengers, all Nigerian military members, were reported safe and treated well by Burkinabe authorities.
However, authorities in Burkina Faso, part of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) alongside Mali and Niger, have accused the Nigerian aircraft of entering their airspace without prior clearance. The AES labelled the occurrence a breach of national sovereignty and has expressed displeasure over the unauthorised entry.
According to diplomatic sources, the aircraft was prepared to continue its commercial ferry flight to Portugal on Tuesday, but the Sahel authorities’ unclear stance has delayed its departure. In response, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is using standard diplomatic channels to secure the release of both the aircraft and its personnel.
Speaking on the matter, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, refuted earlier reports that the aircraft and soldiers had already been freed, emphasising that negotiations are ongoing and that the situation is being addressed at a high level.
The tension comes amid broader regional discord, with the Sahel alliance having previously exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and taken issue with the bloc’s stance on recent military coups in the region.
As of the latest updates, diplomatic engagements continue, with Nigeria seeking a peaceful resolution to ensure the safe return of its personnel and equipment.