Nine days after being detained, 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members were ultimately released from Burkina Faso thanks to high-level diplomatic intervention by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

According to the source, the announcement was made soon after a Nigerian delegation headed by Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, wrapped off discussions with President Ibrahim Traoré and other Burkinabè officials in Ouagadougou.

Senior representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the NAF Headquarters made up the delegation, which was tasked with using conversation to find a constructive and peaceful solution.

Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency reporter in Lake Chad, was informed by a senior official familiar with the mission that the engagement was intended to promote mutual understanding, defuse tensions, and secure the release of the detained NAF personnel while reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and adherence to international aviation and military protocols.

Nigeria’s inclination for diplomacy and neighborly engagement is evident in the mission. According to the source, the visit was intended to boost confidence and reiterate shared responsibility in tackling the intricate security issues facing 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 stated that the Nigerian delegation also communicated Abuja’s unwavering commitment to regional security cooperation, communication, and respect for international norms.

Nigeria and Burkina Faso have long worked together on security training, information exchanges, 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 ties and support regional efforts to advance security, stability, and peace.