Video: Burkota Faso releases detained Nigerian Air Force personnel after emergency landing
NAF
Abdullateef Fowewe
A detained Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officer has revealed that their aircraft made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso due to a technical fault, which has now been fixed, paving the way for their release.
One of the 11 NAF personnel held in the West African nation shared this account during a meeting with a high-level Nigerian delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar.
“The aircraft experienced a technical issue while on a flight to Portugal but was successfully repaired, allowing operations to continue,” the officer stated, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Tuggar delivered a personal message of solidarity from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the crew.
He also noted that Burkina Faso’s military leader, Ibrahim Traoré, offered technical assistance to Nigeria if needed.
This breakthrough follows intense diplomatic efforts between the two nations to secure the personnel’s safety and swift return.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tuggar highlighted the resolution, “Through sustained dialogue, we also resolved the matter concerning Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew, reaffirming the effectiveness of diplomacy in addressing sensitive issues.”
He added, “Nigeria continues to prioritise dialogue and regional cohesion in its engagement across West Africa.
