Tensions have escalated between Nigeria and Burkina Faso as 11 Nigerian military personnel are reportedly being detained in Bobo-Dioulasso after their C130 cargo aircraft allegedly violated the airspace of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
According to reports from the AES, the Nigerian aircraft entered the confederation’s airspace without diplomatic clearance, prompting immediate action from Burkinabè authorities. The plane, carrying 11 crew members, was said to have conducted an emergency landing in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso, where security forces quickly took the soldiers into custody.
Burkina Faso is refusing to release the detained personnel until Abuja provides a full explanation regarding the aircraft’s mission and the reason for entering a restricted zone governed by the AES.
The Alliance of Sahel States, a military and political confederation formed after distancing themselves from ECOWAS, is made up of:
Mali 🇲🇱 Niger 🇳🇪 Burkina Faso 🇧🇫
Diplomatic discussions are expected, but tensions remain high as regional blocs monitor the developing standoff. Nigeria has yet to issue a comprehensive public statement regarding the incident, raising questions about the purpose of the flight and the next steps in resolving the dispute.
The situation adds a new layer to the already complex geopolitical climate in the Sahel, where military alliances, airspace control, and regional autonomy continue to shape West Africa’s security landscape.
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