Nigeria, Sahel Bloc Clash Over Detention of NAF Aircraft and Soldiers in Burkina Faso

Bobo Dioulasso — Conflicting statements emerged yesterday over the detention of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft and 11 soldiers in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

The transport aircraft and its personnel were detained on Monday after Burkinabè authorities accused the crew of entering the country’s airspace without prior clearance.

While the Nigerian Air Force stated that the crew diverted to Burkina Faso due to technical issues, the Burkinabè government—now part of the Sahel alliance that recently withdrew from ECOWAS—disputed this claim.

Under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 2 Rules of the Air, aircraft operations, including military flights, require strict compliance with airspace authorisations. Unauthorized entry into another nation’s airspace is considered a serious violation that can lead to a civil or military aircraft being intercepted or even brought down.

Burkina Faso’s stance has been endorsed by its Sahel partners, Mali and Niger, now collectively known as the Confederation of Sahel States (AES). The three countries left ECOWAS after military coups triggered friction with the regional bloc.

AES officials said their findings showed the aircraft lacked authorisation to enter Burkina Faso, calling the incident a breach of national sovereignty and expressing strong displeasure.

How the Aircraft and Soldiers Were Held

In a statement signed by Mali’s junta leader, Assimi Goita, the AES explained that the NAF aircraft was compelled to land in Bobo Dioulasso on Monday due to an “emergency situation in flight,” even though it was already operating in Burkinabè airspace without clearance.

The statement noted:
“An investigation was immediately opened by the competent Burkinabe services and highlighted the lack of authorisation to fly over Burkinabe territory for this military apparatus (equipment).
“The Confederation of Sahel States most strongly condemns this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states.”

It added that air defence systems in the three Sahel states had been placed on maximum alert and authorised “to neutralise any aircraft that would violate the confederal space,” in line with their December 22, 2024 resolution.

NAF had recently conducted airstrikes on fleeing plotters involved in a failed coup in Benin Republic—an operation confirmed by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga as being requested by the Benin authorities. It remains unclear whether the aircraft’s route connected to that mission or extended into Burkina Faso, which lies northwest of Benin.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger officially exited ECOWAS in January and formed the AES after regional efforts to reintegrate them collapsed. Following the attempted coup in Benin, ECOWAS ordered the deployment of its standby force to support the country.

Given the ongoing military tension in the region, analysts say the Burkinabè military could have taken more drastic action against the aircraft.

Burkina Faso Releases 11 Nigerian Personnel

Burkina Faso later confirmed the release of the 11 Nigerian officers late last night, allowing them to return home.

Territorial Administration Minister Emile Zerbo said the aircraft had violated national procedures by flying into the country “without authorisation,” prompting the intervention of security forces.

In a joint statement, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger reiterated that their investigation confirmed a “violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states,” calling the incident an “unfriendly act.” They also said their air forces had been placed on high alert with orders to “neutralise” any intrusive aircraft.

Burkinabè security sources told the BBC the Nigerian officers were freed after initial questioning and permitted to leave.

NAF: Aircraft Landed Safely Due to Technical Concerns

Responding to the incident, the Nigerian Air Force insisted yesterday that the aircraft made a precautionary landing solely due to technical concerns.

NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the personnel were on a ferry mission to Portugal when the issue was detected.

The statement, titled “Safe Precautionary Landing of NAF C-130 Aircraft in Burkina Faso,” read in part:

“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.
“NAF crew is safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities. Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled.”

NAF assured that the aircraft and personnel remained safe and reaffirmed its commitment to strict operational and safety standards.

When contacted, Defence Headquarters directed inquiries back to the Air Force. As of press time, NAF said arrangements were underway to continue the C-130’s flight to Portugal, its original destination.

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