LAGOS-(MaraviPost)-A Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft and its 11 crew members remain in detention in Burkina Faso, sparking a heated diplomatic row between Nigeria and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).
The plane, en route to Portugal for maintenance, made an emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso last Monday due to a technical fault, according to the Nigerian military.
However, Burkina Faso and AES claim the aircraft entered their airspace without clearance, calling it an “unfriendly act” and a breach of sovereignty.
The AES, comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, has put its air forces on high alert, authorizing them to “neutralize any aircraft” violating their airspace.
Nigeria disputes the allegations, with the Nigerian Air Force stating the landing was a precautionary measure following a technical issue, adhering to international aviation protocols.
The crew is reportedly safe and received cordial treatment from host authorities.
The situation remains tense, with Nigeria engaging AES authorities to secure the release of the soldiers and aircraft.
The incident highlights strained relations between Nigeria and the AES, which recently withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Update: As of Wednesday, the Nigerian aircraft and 11 soldiers have been released after Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar met with Burkina Faso’s junta leader Ibrahim Traoré.