There are conflicting accounts this morning after authorities in Burkina Faso detained a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft and 11 military personnel in the city of Bobo Dioulasso.
The aircraft was held on Monday, with Burkina Faso accusing the crew of entering its airspace without the required clearance.
Nigeria, however, insists the crew diverted and landed safely due to a technical issue.
Burkina Faso, alongside Mali and Niger, now operating as the Confederation of Sahel States, AES said their investigation showed the Nigerian plane had no authorisation to fly through their airspace, describing the incident as a breach of sovereignty.
The three military-led states, which recently withdrew from ECOWAS, condemned what they called an “unfriendly act” and said their air defences had been placed on maximum alert.
A statement signed by Mali’s leader, Assimi Goïta, said the aircraft was forced to land after being detected in Burkina Faso’s airspace without clearance.
The AES said the situation prompted a full security response.
The detention comes days after the Nigerian Air Force reportedly carried out air strikes in neighbouring Benin Republic at the request of that country’s authorities, following a failed coup attempt.
It remains unclear whether Monday’s incident was linked to that operation.
Late last night, Burkina Faso confirmed that the 11 Nigerian officers had been released after undergoing questioning. Officials said the aircraft violated national procedures, prompting its interception.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has maintained that its crew acted within international aviation rules.
NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the C-130 was on a ferry mission to Portugal and diverted to Bobo Dioulasso after developing a technical concern shortly after takeoff from Lagos.
He stressed that the crew received cordial treatment and that plans are underway to resume the journey.
Defence Headquarters directed all inquiries to the Air Force, which says preparations are ongoing to return the aircraft to its original route.