Burkina Faso detains 11 Nigerian military officers after unauthorised plane landing
The Confederation of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, confirmed the development in a statement, noting that the plane, which landed in Bobo-Dioulasso, did not have authorisation to enter the country.
Burkina Faso is currently holding 11 Nigerian military officers after their Air Force C-130 aircraft landed unexpectedly in the country on Monday.
The Confederation of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, confirmed the development in a statement, noting that the plane, which landed in Bobo-Dioulasso, did not have authorisation to enter the country.
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According to the alliance, the incident pointed to a clear breach of Burkina Faso's airspace and sovereignty.
"The military aircraft had two (2) crew members and nine (9) passengers on board, all military personnel," said the Confederation, in a statement seen by The Eastleigh Voice.
"An investigation was immediately launched by the competent Burkinabe authorities and revealed that the military aircraft lacked authorisation to overfly Burkinabe territory. The Confederation condemns in the strongest possible terms this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states."
Further, the Sahel alliance noted that it has begun taking steps to strengthen the protection of its airspace and uphold the sovereignty of its member states, stressing that the move is aimed at ensuring territorial integrity and safeguarding civilians following what it described as a violation of international aviation laws.
"In this regard, and on the instructions of the Heads of State, the air and anti-aircraft defenses of the confederation's airspace, placed on maximum alert in accordance with the Declaration of the College of Heads of State dated December 22, 2024, have been authorised to neutralise any aircraft that violates confederation airspace," AES said.
In a response issued on Tuesday, Nigeria defended the crew's actions, explaining that the aircraft, which was en route to Portugal, diverted to the nearest available airfield in Bobo-Dioulasso after experiencing an unspecified emergency.
Air Force spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame said the crew followed established safety protocols and international aviation procedures when making the unexpected landing.
"Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols," he said.
"NAF crew is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities. Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled."
The incident comes amid strained ties between Nigeria and the Sahel alliance, just days after Abuja played a key role in quashing a brief coup attempt in Benin, including conducting airstrikes against the mutineers.
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