Burkina Faso has reportedly transferred 11 detained Nigerian military personnel into isolated detention facilities amid escalating diplomatic tensions between both countries.
Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the Nigerian government has so far been unable to formally convince Burkina Faso’s military authorities that the Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft involved was on a routine flight to Portugal.
According to the sources, the Burkinabè junta suspects that the aircraft may have been linked to operations aimed at countering an alleged coup plot in neighbouring Benin Republic, an allegation Nigeria has denied.
The development has raised concerns over the treatment of the detained soldiers as diplomatic engagements between Abuja and Ouagadougou continue.
A similar case occurred in December 2023, when Burkina Faso arrested four French nationals in Ouagadougou on allegations of espionage.
The Burkinabè authorities accused the individuals of being intelligence operatives, a claim strongly denied by the French government.
At the time, the junta reportedly demanded €150 million and military equipment in exchange for their release.
Following months of negotiations mediated by Morocco, the French nationals were freed in December 2024.
Reports from francophone sources claimed that their release followed a payment of €60 million and the transfer of heavy artillery equipment.
France has consistently denied making any payment, although multiple reports within the region insist compensation was made to the Burkinabè authorities.
Analysts say Burkina Faso may be positioning the detained Nigerian soldiers as leverage in negotiations, unless diplomatic efforts by the Nigerian government are intensified.
