Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Burkina Faso has finally released 21 Nigerian soldiers and a Nigerian Air Force aircraft that were detained by the West African neighbour penultimate week over allegations of espionage.
This followed a meeting between Burkinabe President Ibrahim Traore and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Yusuf Tuggar.
The Federal Government confirmed the release on Wednesday through the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, who led the Nigerian delegation, had said during a press briefing that the visit was at the instance of President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that the incident occurred when a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft, with 11 soldiers on board, made a forced landing in Bobo Dioulasso while on a ferry mission to Portugal.
The Director of Public Relations of the Nigerian Air Force, Mr Ehimen Ejodame, explained that the crew observed a technical issue and carried out a precautionary landing at the nearest airfield, in line with international aviation protocols.
However, the Malian junta leader, Mr Assimi Goita, speaking on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel States, described the landing as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law,” warning that member states were authorised to neutralise aircraft violating their airspace.
