Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew members, nine days after they were detained in the West African country, following diplomatic intervention by the Federal Government.
The personnel were freed shortly after a high-powered Nigerian delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, concluded a series of engagements with Burkinabè authorities in Ouagadougou.
It was gathered that the delegation also held talks with Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traoré, as part of efforts to resolve the matter amicably.
Senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, alongside top officers from the Nigerian Air Force headquarters, were part of the delegation, which was mandated to achieve a peaceful and constructive resolution through dialogue.
A senior official familiar with the mission said the engagement aimed at easing tensions, building mutual understanding and securing the release of the detained personnel.
“The mission points 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 official stated.
The source added that the delegation reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and strict adherence to international aviation and military protocols.
According to the official, Nigeria also reiterated its resolve to deepen regional security collaboration through dialogue and respect for international norms, noting the long-standing history of cooperation between Nigeria, Burkina Faso and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States.