11 Nigerian Troops Detained in Burkina Faso Over Alleged AES Airspace Violation

E Eleven Nigerian military personnel have been detained by authorities in Burkina Faso after their aircraft reportedly breached the airspace of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The troops were apprehended in Bobo-Dioulasso, southwest Burkina Faso, following an emergency landing by a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft.

According to a statement issued by the AES, the aircraft entered Burkinabe airspace without authorization before making the emergency landing on Monday. The bloc said an immediate investigation conducted by Burkinabe authorities confirmed that the Nigerian aircraft had no clearance to fly over the country.

The AES condemned the incident as a violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states. “The Confederation of the Sahel States strongly condemns this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states,” the statement read.

Describing the situation as an “unfriendly act” and a breach of international aviation protocols, the alliance announced that it had taken measures to secure its airspace and ensure the safety of its territories and populations.

The AES further disclosed that its Heads of State had ordered air defense and anti-aircraft systems to be placed on maximum alert. “They have been authorized to neutralize any aircraft that violates the confederal airspace,” the statement added, citing compliance with an earlier declaration made on 22 December 2024.

The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official response regarding the detention of the personnel or the circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s emergency landing.