Eleven Nigerian soldiers have regained their freedom, 10 days after being detained in Burkina Faso, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.
“The soldiers have been released. I just confirmed with our Head of Mission in Burkina Faso,” said the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Wednesday night.
It is not yet clear when the soldiers are expected to return to Nigeria, as their travel arrangements remain unverified.
The personnel were held by Burkina Faso’s military authorities following an unscheduled landing in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8. The aircraft had departed Lagos en route to Portugal when it experienced a technical issue.
Burkina Faso detained both the aircraft and its crew over alleged airspace violations, terming the incident a breach of national sovereignty.
Investigations by the Confederation of Sahel States and Burkinabe officials reportedly confirmed that the aircraft had no prior authorisation to enter Burkinabe airspace.
President Bola Tinubu acted swiftly after days of diplomatic engagement, dispatching a Special Envoy to Ouagadougou to negotiate with Burkinabe authorities.
The Nigerian Air Force, meanwhile, reassured the public that the crew remained safe and were treated courteously during detention.
The service also stated that the precautionary landing was conducted in line with standard safety measures and international aviation protocols.
