Burkina Faso Detains Aircraft, 11 Nigerian Soldiers After Alleged Airspace Violation

Burkina Faso authorities have detained 11 Nigerian military personnel after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C‑130 transport aircraft allegedly violated the airspace of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and was forced to make an emergency landing in Bobo‑Dioulasso on December 8, 2025.

According to AES officials, the aircraft entered Burkinabé airspace without prior authorization, a breach of regional airspace protocols. The 11 Nigerian soldiers on board — two crew members and nine other military personnel — were immediately taken into custody by local authorities.

The aircraft itself was reportedly seized pending investigation.

AES issued a stern warning, stating that any future unauthorized aircraft entering the alliance’s airspace will be “neutralized,” underscoring the seriousness with which member states are protecting their territorial sovereignty.

Burkina Faso’s junta described the incident as “an unfriendly and unjustifiable intrusion” and confirmed that no diplomatic or military clearance had been granted for the flight.

The emergency landing and subsequent detention have escalated tensions between Nigeria and AES member states, which have already been strained due to regional political divergences following the breakaway of some AES countries from ECOWAS earlier in 2025.

The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, leaving analysts and observers speculating on diplomatic negotiations or potential repercussions.

Meanwhile, Burkina Faso authorities have opened an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the aircraft’s unsanctioned entry and to hold accountable any parties found responsible.

This incident marks a rare escalation involving Nigerian military personnel in the Sahel region and highlights the increasing vigilance of AES member states in protecting their airspace amid rising regional security concerns.