By Zagazola Makama
Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members after nine days in detention, following intense high-level diplomatic engagement by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The breakthrough came shortly after a Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, concluded crucial talks in Ouagadougou with top Burkinabè officials, including President Ibrahim Traoré, sources confirmed.
The delegation—drawn from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, and the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters—was specifically mandated to pursue a peaceful, dialogue-driven resolution to the incident, which had sparked quiet concern within diplomatic and security circles across the region.
A senior official familiar with the mission told Zagazola Makama that the engagement focused on de-escalating tensions, restoring mutual trust, and securing the safe release of the detained personnel, while reaffirming Nigeria’s respect for international aviation and military protocols.
> “This was a confidence-building mission that underscored Nigeria’s preference for diplomacy and good-neighbourliness. It was designed to foster understanding and reaffirm shared responsibilities in tackling the complex security challenges facing the Sahel,” the source said.
According to the official, the Nigerian delegation also reaffirmed Abuja’s enduring commitment to regional security cooperation, dialogue, and respect for international norms, stressing the long-standing ties between Nigeria, Burkina Faso and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Nigeria and Burkina Faso have historically worked closely in security training, intelligence sharing and regional stabilisation efforts, particularly in the joint fight against terrorism and violent extremism threatening West Africa.
Diplomatic sources expressed optimism that the peaceful resolution of the incident would strengthen bilateral relations, deepen mutual understanding, and reinforce collective efforts to promote lasting peace, stability and security across the Sahel and the wider sub-region.
PIONEER NEWS 