Burkina Faso has freed 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members who were detained after their C-130 aircraftI'm made an emergency landing in the country due to technical issues.The release follows a successful diplomatic mission led by Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who met with Burkina Faso's transitional president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, in Ouagadougou on December 17, 2025.The delegation, dispatched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, conveyed messages of solidarity and explored ways to enhance bilateral ties and regional cooperation. A statement from Tuggar's spokesperson, Alkasim Abdulkadir, confirmed that the matter involving the NAF personnel was "amicably resolved."The incident stemmed from the aircraft's precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8, 2025, en route to Portugal. While Nigeria maintained it adhered to international aviation protocols, initial concerns from Burkinabè authorities led to the temporary detention.Both sides emphasized fraternity and shared interests in security and development, paving the way for the personnel's return along with the aircraft. This resolution shows ongoing efforts to maintain good neighborly relations amid regional dynamics in West Africa.
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