Burkina Faso releases 11 Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew after high-level diplomatic talks led by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar in Ouagadougou
Diplomacy Pays Off as Burkina Faso Frees 11 Nigerian Air Force Officers
Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members, nine days after their detention, following intensive diplomatic engagements by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The release came shortly after a high-level Nigerian delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, concluded crucial meetings in Ouagadougou with Burkinabè authorities, including President Ibrahim Traoré.
The delegation comprised senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, alongside representatives from NAF Headquarters, and was specifically mandated to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue and confidence-building measures.
A senior official familiar with the mission told Zagazola Makama that discussions focused on de-escalating tensions, securing the release of the detained personnel, and reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and adherence to international aviation and military protocols.
“The visit underscored Nigeria’s preference for diplomacy and neighbourly engagement. It was a confidence-building mission aimed at strengthening trust and reinforcing shared responsibilities in tackling the complex security challenges facing the Sahel,” the source said.
During the talks, the Nigerian delegation reiterated Abuja’s long-standing commitment to regional security collaboration, dialogue, and respect for international norms, stressing decades of cooperation between Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and other Sahelian partners.
Nigeria and Burkina Faso have historically worked closely in security training, intelligence sharing, and regional stabilisation efforts, particularly in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism across West Africa.
Officials expressed optimism that the peaceful resolution of the incident would not only ease tensions but also deepen bilateral relations and strengthen collective efforts toward peace, stability, and security in the Sahel region. Read More
