Tension continues to simmer between Nigeria and Burkina Faso as 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel and a C-130 aircraft remain in limbo, held by Burkinabè authorities since Monday. The aircraft, en route to Portugal, made an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, citing technical concerns.
The NAF claims the landing was a precautionary measure, following standard safety protocols, while Burkina Faso alleges the aircraft violated its airspace without authorization. The Confederation of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, has condemned the incident as a “violation of sovereignty” and placed its air defenses on high alert.
The Nigerian government is probing the matter, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, stating that officials are gathering details. The NAF has assured the public that the crew is safe and receiving cordial treatment, with plans underway to resume the mission.
The incident highlights strained relations between Nigeria and the AES, which withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) earlier this year. The situation remains uncertain, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to resolve the standoff.
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