Burkina Faso’s military government has confirmed the detention of 11 Nigerian military officers after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made an emergency landing inside the country without prior clearance.
In a statement released late Monday, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — comprising Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali — said the aircraft was forced to land in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8, 2025, following an in-flight emergency.
AES: Nigerian Aircraft Entered Airspace Without Authorization
According to the junta, the Nigerian Air Force plane was operating inside Burkinabe airspace without official authorization.
The statement reads:
“An aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a C130 type, was forced to land today… following an in-flight emergency situation, while it was operating in Burkinabe airspace.”
The AES confirmed the aircraft carried:
2 crew members
9 military passengers
All 11 individuals were identified as Nigerian armed forces personnel and are currently being detained pending investigation.
Burkina Faso Opens Investigation, Condemns Airspace Violation
The AES said Burkinabe authorities have launched a full investigation, which has already revealed the absence of any overflight authorization for the Nigerian aircraft.
The bloc strongly condemned what it described as a “violation of airspace and sovereignty”, emphasizing that the action contravenes international aviation regulations.
Sahel States Place Air Defense Systems on Maximum Alert
In response to the incident, the AES said all three member states have placed their air defense and anti-aircraft systems on maximum alert, acting on instructions from their Heads of State.
“Measures have been taken to guarantee the security of the confederal airspace… and systems have been authorized to neutralize any aircraft that violates the confederal airspace,” the statement said.
The alliance warned that its military forces are now on high readiness to counter any external threat.
