Detained Nigerian Air Force Crew freed, arrive safely in Ghana

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, announced on Friday that the pilots and crew of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 Hercules aircraft (registration NAF 913) have safely arrived at an Air Force base in Accra, Ghana, following their release from detention in Burkina Faso.

The announcement brings a positive resolution to a diplomatic incident that began on December 8, 2025, when the aircraft, en route to Portugal for scheduled maintenance, made a precautionary emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, due to a reported technical issue.

Burkinabè authorities detained the 11 personnel on board-comprising two flight crew members and nine passengers, citing unauthorized entry into their airspace as a violation of sovereignty.

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, described the incident as an “unfriendly act” and placed regional air defenses on alert.

Nigeria maintained that the landing adhered to international aviation safety protocols, with the crew diverting to the nearest suitable airfield.

The NAF emphasized that the aircraft remained serviceable after repairs and that the personnel received cordial treatment during their detention.

The breakthrough came through high-level diplomacy initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A Nigerian delegation, led by Minister Tuggar and including senior officials from the National Intelligence Agency and NAF headquarters, traveled to Ouagadougou on December 17-18 for talks with Burkina Faso’s transitional leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

During the engagements, Tuggar conveyed President Tinubu’s message of solidarity, apologized for any procedural irregularities in overflight authorizations, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s respect for Burkina Faso’s sovereignty. Both sides agreed to deepen bilateral ties and enhance regional cooperation on security and development challenges.

The crew and aircraft were cleared for departure shortly after, departing Bobo-Dioulasso on Friday evening. The stopover in Accra is part of an updated flight plan for refueling and onward travel to Portugal via Banjul and Casablanca, avoiding certain airspaces.

Upon arrival in Ghana, the NAF personnel were warmly received by Ghana Air Force officials and representatives from the Nigerian Embassy, underscoring the strong military-to-military and diplomatic relations between the two West African neighbors.

In his statement on X (formerly Twitter), Tuggar praised the outcome as a testament to “Nigeria’s commitment to diplomacy, regional cooperation, and the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in resolving sensitive matters through dialogue.”

The resolution averts potential escalation amid strained relations between ECOWAS and the AES countries, which withdrew from the bloc earlier.

It highlights the effectiveness of constructive engagement in addressing interstate disputes in a region grappling with security instability.