Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian military officers detained after their Air Force C-130 transport aircraft made what authorities described as an unauthorised landing in Bobo-Dioulasso on Monday. Officials said the officers were questioned and cleared after preliminary checks, conducted amid suspicions of possible links to the Benin coup rescue. Nigeria described the incident as a technical emergency landing, but Burkinabè authorities insisted the aircraft entered the country’s airspace without proper clearance.
Territorial Administration Minister Emile Zerbo said the sudden arrival prompted a swift security response, stating, “The aircraft flew into Burkina Faso without clearance.” The AES bloc labelled the airspace breach an “unfriendly act” and said its air forces were on maximum alert. Despite tensions, Burkinabè officials confirmed the Nigerians were treated cordially and allowed to leave. The incident comes as relations between Nigeria and the AES governments deteriorate amid escalating security and political disagreements.