Security analyst, Zagazola Makama, has slammed Burkina Faso’s continued detention of 10 Nigerian Air Force personnel following a precautionary landing by a NAF C-130 aircraft, accusing the military junta of using the incident to stoke political tensions and retaliate against Nigeria.
In a post on 𝕏, Makama said the forced stay of the crew in Bobo-Dioulasso, despite their aircraft executing a technical landing fully in line with global aviation regulations, “confirms a disturbing pattern of petty retaliation, insecurity and reckless behaviour by the Burkinabè junta.”
Makama reminded authorities that under International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules, aircraft facing technical emergencies are entitled to land anywhere without facing hostility, and their crew must be treated with utmost protection and urgency.
“Burkina Faso’s decision to turn a routine safety measure into a diplomatic confrontation is nothing short of childish and vindictive,” he said.
The Nigerian Air Force had earlier confirmed that the C-130 Hercules aircraft made a precautionary landing “in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols,” and initially received cordial treatment.
However, diplomatic sources informed Makama that the ongoing detention of the crew contradicts those early assurances.
Makama suggested that Burkina Faso’s actions are politically motivated, pointing to Nigeria’s recent military assistance to foil a coup attempt in neighbouring Benin Republic, a move believed to have upset the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), of which Burkina Faso is a member.
He said, “Detaining an emergency crew is not an accident. It is an act of vengeance. Burkina Faso is attempting to send a message to Nigeria after the failed coup in Benin, but the message only exposes their irresponsibility and insecurity.”
Describing the junta’s move as “an embarrassing display of hostility,” the security expert warned that such actions threaten regional and global aviation safety.
Makama warned, “Weaponising ICAO-governed emergency procedures for political grudges undermines safety. If allowed to stand, it will discourage pilots from declaring technical emergencies and jeopardise lives.
“If Nigeria were to apply the same hostility, lives would be lost. Burkina Faso’s action is a threat to global aviation safety.”
Makama urged the Nigerian Government to summon the Burkinabè Ambassador for an explanation, describing the junta’s conduct as “reckless, unprofessional and unlawful.”
“Nigeria must respond strongly to prevent further AES provocations,” he said.
He also called on international aviation bodies and ECOWAS member states to condemn the detention and demand the “immediate and unconditional release” of the NAF crew.
“The world must not allow a reckless military regime to twist an aviation safety incident into a political attack on Nigeria,” he said.
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