Burkina Faso’s ruling junta has detained eleven Nigerian military personnel and impounded a Nigerian Air Force C-130 transport aircraft after it reportedly made an emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso on Monday without prior clearance to enter the country’s airspace.

The development, which has further strained relations between Nigeria and the military governments of the Sahel, was announced in a late-night statement by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—the confederation formed by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger following their withdrawal from ECOWAS.

Aircraft Forced to Land After ‘In-Flight Emergency’

According to the AES, the Nigerian aircraft was intercepted by Burkinabe forces while operating within the country’s airspace and was compelled to land due to what officials described as an in-flight emergency.

“An aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a C130 type, was forced to land today, 8 December 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency situation,”
the AES said.

11 Nigerian Officers Taken Into Custody

The junta confirmed that the aircraft was carrying two crew members and nine passengers, all of whom are Nigerian military personnel. They were immediately detained upon landing.

“The individuals were later identified as members of the Nigerian armed forces and are currently being detained,”
the statement added.

Burkina Faso Alleges Airspace Violation

Burkinabe authorities claim an investigation has already established that the flight had no authorisation to enter or operate within their airspace.

The AES condemned the incident as a violation of its sovereignty:

“The Confederation of the Sahel States strongly condemns this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states.”

AES Places Air-Defence on Maximum Alert

In what appears to be a warning to neighbouring countries, the alliance said it has placed its air-defence systems on maximum alert, authorising forces to neutralise any aircraft that violates Sahelian airspace in the future.

This directive, the AES noted, aligns with the December 22, 2024 resolution of its College of Heads of State.

Nigeria Yet to Respond

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian government has not issued any official statement regarding the detention of its personnel or the seizure of the C-130 aircraft.

Growing Tensions in the Region

The incident comes amid escalating friction between Nigeria and the Sahel military bloc, which has repeatedly accused ECOWAS states of “hostile acts” since Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their withdrawal from the regional organisation earlier this year.