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Nigerian Troops Remain in Burkina Faso After Emergency Aircraft Landing — Tuggar

Published by admin on December 13th, 2025.

Nigerian Troops Remain in Burkina Faso After Emergency Aircraft Landing — Tuggar

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has confirmed that the Nigerian soldiers involved in a recent aircraft incident are still in Burkina Faso. He made this known on Thursday at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja while responding to questions from journalists during a joint press briefing with Benin’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olushegun Bakari.

The issue followed accusations by the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) that a Nigerian military aircraft carrying 11 soldiers unlawfully entered Burkina Faso’s airspace. AES, a regional bloc comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic, described the incident as a breach of international norms. Mali’s junta leader, Assimi Goïta, also condemned the landing, calling it an unfriendly action, while AES warned it could take action against any aircraft violating its airspace.

According to the Nigerian Air Force, the aircraft was forced to make a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso after the crew detected a technical fault. Ehimen Ejodame, NAF’s Director of Public Relations, explained that the decision was based on standard aviation safety rules and aligned with international aviation regulations. He added that Bobo-Dioulasso was the nearest available airport at the time.

Although there were reports that the Nigerian officers were briefly detained and later released by Burkinabe authorities, Tuggar said diplomatic engagements are ongoing with Burkina Faso’s leader, Ibrahim Traoré, to resolve the situation. He confirmed that the soldiers are still in the country but stressed that discussions are being handled through diplomatic channels to ensure a swift and peaceful outcome.

Both Tuggar and Bakari dismissed claims linking the aircraft incident to Nigeria’s support for Benin during a recent coup attempt. Tuggar clarified that the aircraft was en route to Portugal when it developed a fault, noting that international aviation law permits emergency landings in such circumstances. He expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved soon through continued dialogue.