Burkina Faso’s military government has confirmed the detention of 11 Nigerian military personnel and the seizure of a Nigerian Air Force cargo aircraft after the country accused the aircraft of entering the country’s airspace without approval and made an emergency landing.
In a statement issued late Monday, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) said the C-130 aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force was forced to land on December 8, 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso due to an in-flight emergency while flying over Burkinabe territory without clearance.
The AES comprises Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, all currently under military rule.
READ ALSO: Burkina Faso Soldiers Executes 6 Niger’s Young Farmers
Authorities disclosed that the aircraft was carrying two crew members and nine passengers, all of whom were later identified as Nigerian military officers.
The 11 individuals are presently being held by Burkinabe authorities.
The regional bloc strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a violation of its airspace and national sovereignty.
An investigation has been launched to determine the full circumstances surrounding the unauthorized entry.
In response, the AES announced that the armed forces of its three member states have been placed on maximum alert.
The bloc further stated that air defense and anti-aircraft systems across the confederation have been authorized to neutralize any aircraft that violates its airspace.
The alliance described the incident as an unfriendly act carried out in breach of international aviation laws and warned that strict measures are now in place to safeguard its territorial integrity and civilian population.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified that its C-130 military aircraft detained in Burkina Faso over an alleged airspace violation, made a safe precautionary landing due to technical concerns.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal when the crew detected a technical issue shortly after take-off from Lagos.
NAF in a statement, titled “Safe Precautionary Landing of NAF C-130 Aircraft in Burkina Faso,” explained that the aircraft diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, as the nearest available airfield, in line with international aviation safety protocols.
According to the NAF, all crew members and passengers are safe and have received cordial treatment from Burkinabe authorities.