- Burkina Faso Releases Detained Nigerian Air Force Pilots After Diplomatic Talks
- Nigeria’s delegation engaged Burkinabè leaders through diplomatic dialogue.
- Officials said the move strengthens regional security cooperation.
Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew members nine days after their detention, following high level diplomatic intervention by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The release came shortly after a Nigerian delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, concluded engagements with Burkinabè authorities in Ouagadougou, including talks with President Ibrahim Traoré.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the delegation included senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters. It was mandated to resolve the issue through dialogue and peaceful engagement.
A senior official familiar with the mission said the discussions focused on de escalating tensions, securing the release of the detained personnel and reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and international aviation and military protocols.
“The mission pointed 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.
The official added that the Nigerian delegation reiterated Abuja’s long standing commitment to regional security collaboration, dialogue and respect for international norms.
He noted that Nigeria, Burkina Faso and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States have a history of cooperation in security training, intelligence sharing and regional stabilisation efforts.
Nigeria and Burkina Faso have worked closely in counter terrorism operations and efforts to combat violent extremism across West Africa.
Officials expressed optimism that the resolution of the incident would further strengthen bilateral relations and reinforce collective efforts to promote peace, stability and security in the region.
