Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members, nine days after their detention, following a high-level diplomatic engagement by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The release came after a Nigerian delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, concluded talks with Burkinabè authorities in Ouagadougou, including a meeting with President Ibrahim Traoré.
The delegation, which included senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, was mandated to seek a peaceful and constructive resolution through diplomatic dialogue.
senior official familiar with the mission told security consultant and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, that the engagement focused on building mutual understanding, de-escalating tensions and securing the release of the detained NAF personnel, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and adherence to international aviation and military protocols.
“The mission points to Nigeria’s preference for diplomacy and neighbourly engagement. It was a confidence-building visit designed to strengthen trust and reaffirm shared responsibilities in addressing the complex security challenges confronting the Sahel,” the source said.
According to the official, the Nigerian delegation also conveyed Abuja’s enduring commitment to regional security collaboration, sustained dialogue and respect for international norms, stressing the long-standing history of cooperation between Nigeria, Burkina Faso and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Nigeria and Burkina Faso have traditionally worked together in security training, intelligence sharing and regional stabilisation initiatives, particularly in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism across West Africa.
Officials expressed optimism that the peaceful resolution of the incident would further deepen bilateral understanding and reinforce collective efforts to promote peace, stability and security in the region.
Following the approval of their release by President Traoré, Ambassador Tuggar met with the 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel before their departure.
The delegation dispatched by President Bola Tinubu, alongside the released NAF personnel, is expected to return to Nigeria Today.