A counter insurgency security expert Zagazola Makama has claimed that Burkina Faso authorities are yet to release detained Nigeria Air Force (NAF) pilot despite diplomatic pressure, condemnation.
In post on 𝕏 on Tuesday evening, Zagazola wrote: “Burkina Faso has continued to hold a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilot and crew more than 24 hours after their detention, despite repeated diplomatic efforts by the Nigerian government and widespread condemnation of the action as a blatant violation of international norms.”
However, reports had emerged claiming Burkina Faso released the eleven Nigerian military officers who were detained after their Air Force transport aircraft made an ‘unauthorized’ landing in the country on Monday.
According to Business Insider Africa, the personnel were cleared to return home after Burkinabè authorities completed initial checks amid suspicions related to Nigeria’s intervention in the Benin coup attempt.
The personnel were aboard a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 that landed in the western city of Bobo-Dioulasso. Burkinabè security officials told the BBC that the officers were released after initial questioning and permitted to depart.
While the NAF maintained that the aircraft was en route to Portugal on a ferry mission and was forced to make a “technical emergency landing” due to a fault, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger – offered a contrasting, more aggressive account.
The country’s Territorial Administration Minister, Emile Zerbo, stated the plane violated national procedures by flying into Burkina Faso “without authorisation,” prompting security agencies to intervene.
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