Burkina Faso has released a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft along with 11 personnel.

The NAF C-130, which was on a ferry mission to Portugal with 11 crew members, made an emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso two weeks ago due to technical difficulties.

According to NAF Director of Public Relations, Mr. Ehimen Ejodame, the crew safely landed at the nearest airfield in accordance with international aviation safety protocols.

However, Assimi Goita, the Mali junta leader speaking for the Confederation of Sahel States, described the precautionary landing as an “unfriendly act in violation of international law” and warned that any aircraft entering Sahel States’ airspace without authorization could be neutralized.

The Nigerian government later confirmed the release of the aircraft and crew. Their release followed discussions in Ouagadougou between a Nigerian delegation, led by Foreign Affairs Minister Mr. Yusuf Tuggar, and Burkina Faso junta leader Mr. Ibrahim Traoré.

Tuggar, representing President Bola Tinubu, briefed journalists on the outcome of the meeting. Confirming the development on Wednesday night, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said: “Yes, they have been released.”