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BREAKING: Burkina Faso detains 11 Nigerian soldiers for drifting into its airspace
West Africa is grappling with a new diplomatic strain after Burkina Faso confirmed the detention of 11 Nigerian military officers aboard a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft that was forced to land within its territory.
The transport aircraft, which was en route to Tamale in neighbouring Ghana, reportedly encountered a mid-air emergency that caused its transponder to go off.
Once the signal disappeared, the aircraft dropped off radar and inadvertently veered into Burkinabè airspace.
That incursion immediately triggered alarm.
Security across Burkina Faso’s skies has become extremely sensitive since the country, alongside Mali and Niger, formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and adopted a far tougher stance on unauthorised military flights.
Burkinabè forces swiftly intercepted the aircraft and compelled it to land in Bobo-Dioulasso.
The 11 Nigerian military personnel onboard were subsequently taken into custody, while the C-130 was secured by the country’s defence authorities.
Officials aligned with the AES have since accused Nigeria of violating restricted airspace without the required diplomatic clearance.
They warned that under new security directives, any unidentified or unauthorised aircraft risked being “neutralised,” underscoring the heightened tensions in the region.
Diplomatic engagements are expected in the coming days as Abuja seeks clarity and the safe return of its detained personnel.
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