The Federal Government says diplomatic engagements are ongoing to secure the release of a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft and 11 soldiers detained by the Burkinabe authorities.
The aircraft was seized on Monday after making a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso while en route to Portugal for maintenance. The Nigerian Air Force said the landing was necessitated by technical faults.
However, the government of Burkina Faso and the Confederation of Sahel States accused the crew of entering their airspace without clearance, prompting the aircraft to be forced to land.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Nigeria was actively engaging the Burkinabe authorities through diplomatic channels but that the aircraft and military personnel were yet to be released.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken over the discussions to ensure their safe release,” Ebienfa said.
Following the takeover of negotiations by the ministry, the Nigerian Air Force has remained silent on the matter.
