Seized C-130 Aircraft: FG Says 11 Nigerian Soldiers Still Detained in Burkina Faso

The Federal Government has confirmed that 11 Nigerian soldiers and a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft seized in Burkina Faso are yet to be released, saying diplomatic engagements with the Burkinabe authorities are still ongoing.

The aircraft, with its crew and soldiers on board, was seized on Monday after it made what the Nigerian Air Force described as a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso while en route to Portugal for maintenance due to a technical fault.

While the NAF maintained that the landing was prompted by a mechanical issue, authorities in Burkina Faso and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) accused the crew of entering their airspace without clearance, leading to the aircraft being compelled to land.

Speaking on the development, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the Federal Government was actively engaging Burkina Faso through diplomatic channels to secure the release of the aircraft and the detained personnel.

“We are engaging them, but they are yet to be released,” Ebienfa said, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken over negotiations to ensure a safe resolution.

Following the ministry’s intervention, the Nigerian Air Force has remained silent on the matter.

Although official details of the talks have not been disclosed, retired NAF pilots contacted urged caution, warning against speculation while negotiations are still in progress.

“In such situations, when the facts of the discussions are not yet clear, assuming conclusions may jeopardise government-to-government discussions and lead to avoidable risks. I advise we wait for the outcome of the negotiations,” a retired officer said anonymously.

However, sources told Vanguard that Burkina Faso and other Sahel countries—Mali and Niger—may be using the seized aircraft as leverage. The three countries, formerly members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), were suspended following military coups.

One retired officer suggested that ECOWAS sanctions, which these countries believe are heavily influenced by Nigeria, have worsened their economic situation.

“They feel the blockade on trade and movement of goods and services is hurting them badly. With France no longer doing business with them, they are under serious pressure. They may be trying to use this incident to negotiate relief or economic assistance through Nigeria,” he said.

He stressed, however, that the view was a personal opinion, adding: “We will see how it goes.”

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