Nigeria has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the release of 11 military personnel and a C-130 transport aircraft detained in Burkina Faso since Monday, after Ouagadougou authorities accused the plane of breaching their airspace without authorization.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed on Wednesday that Nigeria’s embassy in Ouagadougou is actively engaging Burkinabè officials. He stressed that the crew—two pilots and nine soldiers—are safe and being treated cordially.

The Nigerian Air Force explained that the aircraft, en route from Lagos to Portugal for scheduled maintenance, experienced a technical issue shortly after takeoff on December 8. It diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso’s Thomas Sankara International Airport as a precaution, in line with international aviation protocols. NAF Director of Public Relations Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame emphasized that the mission would resume once cleared, reaffirming the Air Force’s commitment to safety standards.

But the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—condemned the incident as a violation of sovereignty. In a joint statement, the bloc claimed the flight lacked proper authorization. Malian junta leader Assimi Goïta branded it an “unfriendly act” and ordered air defenses to maximum alert, warning future intruders would be “neutralized.” The AES, which broke away from ECOWAS earlier this year accusing it of Western bias, viewed the episode as provocative, especially coming hours after Nigeria supported Benin in foiling a coup attempt.

Burkina Faso’s Territorial Administration Minister Emile Zerbo defended the detention as a strict security measure. AES sources told the BBC that the Nigerian personnel were questioned before being cleared to depart, though the aircraft’s status remains unresolved.

Nigerian military officials expressed optimism for a swift resolution, noting the matter has been handed over to diplomats. No charges have been filed, and the soldiers remain safe while awaiting repatriation. ECOWAS has urged restraint, warning that fragile regional ties and ongoing jihadist threats could be further destabilized by such incidents.

The standoff underscores the growing strain between Nigeria and the AES juntas, whose withdrawal from ECOWAS has reshaped West Africa’s security landscape. Whether this episode ends in reconciliation or deepens the rift will be closely watched across the region.