After high-level diplomatic intervention by the Federal Government of Nigeria, 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members were finally released from Burkina Faso nine days after they were detained.
According to the source, the announcement was made soon after a Nigerian delegation headed by Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, wrapped off meetings with President Ibrahim Traoré and other Burkinabè officials in Ouagadougou.
The mission, which included top representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the NAF Headquarters, was tasked with using conversation to find a constructive and peaceful solution to the issue.
In addition to reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and adherence to international aviation and military protocols, a senior official familiar with the mission told Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency reporter in Lake Chad, that the engagement was intended to promote mutual understanding, defuse tensions, and secure the release of the detained NAF personnel.
The mission indicates that Nigeria prefers to connect with its neighbors and use diplomacy. The insider stated, “It was a confidence-building visit intended to reinforce shared responsibilities in solving the complex security concerns confronting the Sahel.
The official noted the long history of cooperation between Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and said that the Nigerian delegation also communicated Abuja’s steadfast commitment to regional security cooperation, communication, and respect for international norms.
Nigeria and Burkina Faso have historically worked together on security training, intelligence sharing, and regional stabilization initiatives, especially in the battle against violent extremism and terrorism throughout West Africa.
Officials expressed hope that the incident’s peaceful conclusion would strengthen bilateral understanding and support regional efforts to advance security, stability, and peace.
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