Conflicting accounts emerged yesterday over the detention of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft and 11 soldiers in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

The Hercules plane and its crew were detained by Burkinabe authorities on Monday for allegedly entering the country’s airspace without clearance. While the NAF insisted the aircraft made a precautionary landing due to technical issues, Burkina Faso and its Sahelian allies disagreed.

Airspace Rules and Military Flights
Under Annex 2 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Rules of the Air, aircraft operations—including military flights—require proper authorization to enter another nation’s airspace. Violations can be treated as serious offenses, potentially justifying defensive measures. Burkina Faso’s response received backing from Mali and Niger, which, along with Burkina Faso, now form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) after withdrawing from ECOWAS following military coups.

Detention Details
The AES stated that the aircraft was forced to land due to an “emergency situation in flight” while operating without authorization. The confederation described the incident as a violation of national sovereignty and called it an “unfriendly act.” AES warned that its air and anti-aircraft defenses were on maximum alert to “neutralize any aircraft” violating its airspace.

The C-130 had reportedly been on a mission in Benin Republic following a failed coup there, but it is unclear if the flight entered Burkina Faso en route.

Release of Soldiers
Burkina Faso confirmed that the 11 Nigerian officers were released late Monday and allowed to return home. Emile Zerbo, the country’s territorial administration minister, said security agencies intervened after the plane violated national procedures.

NAF Response
The Nigerian Air Force maintained that the aircraft made a safe precautionary landing due to technical concerns while on a ferry mission to Portugal. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame stated that the crew received cordial treatment from host authorities and that plans were underway to resume the mission.

The Defence Headquarters directed inquiries to the NAF, which reaffirmed its commitment to operational procedures and safety standards while executing constitutional duties.