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Emergency landing sparks diplomatic tension
Eleven Nigerian military personnel were briefly held in Burkina Faso after their aircraft entered the country's airspace without clearance, security sources confirmed on Tuesday.
Incident details
The Nigerian Air Force C-130 transport plane, en route to Portugal, made an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso's second-largest city, on Monday. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) attributed the diversion to a technical malfunction, stating the crew followed standard safety protocols.
However, Burkina Faso's Territorial Administration Minister Emile Zerbo said the aircraft entered national airspace without prior authorization. A joint statement from the military governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger-collectively known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)-called the landing an "unfriendly act" and confirmed an immediate investigation into the airspace violation.
Conflicting accounts
The AES statement accused Nigeria of failing to secure flight clearance and declared that its air forces were placed on high alert, authorized to "neutralize any aircraft" violating member states' sovereignty. The plane carried two crew members and nine military officers, according to the alliance.
The NAF countered that the crew received "cordial treatment" from Burkinabè authorities and were never formally detained. A spokesperson said preparations were underway to resume the flight to Portugal, reaffirming the air force's commitment to operational safety.
Release and regional context
Burkinabè officials later told the BBC the Nigerian personnel were released and permitted to return home. The incident occurs amid heightened tensions in West Africa following an attempted coup in Benin on Sunday. Nigeria, leading an Ecowas mission, deployed troops and aircraft to Benin to suppress the mutiny.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger-all under military rule-withdrew from Ecowas earlier this year, citing dissatisfaction with the bloc's demands for democratic reforms. The three nations have also distanced themselves from Western allies, including France, and strengthened ties with Russia.
Broader implications
Analysts suggest the emergency landing may further strain relations between Nigeria and the AES states, which have accused Ecowas of interference in their internal affairs.
