Released Nigerian soldiers arrive safely in Ghana after detention in Burkina Faso

Nigerian soldiers who were recently released by Burkina Faso authorities have arrived safely at an Air Force base in Accra, Ghana.

The development was confirmed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in a statement shared on X on Friday evening. According to the minister, the personnel arrived aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft.

“I can confirm that the pilots and crew of NAF C-130 (913) have safely arrived at the Air Force Base in Accra,” Tuggar wrote.

He added that the successful return of the soldiers highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to diplomacy and peaceful engagement in resolving sensitive regional matters.

Tuggar credited the outcome to Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts, regional cooperation, and the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The successful outcome reflects Nigeria’s commitment to diplomacy, regional cooperation, and the leadership of the President in resolving sensitive matters through dialogue,” he said.

The soldiers were detained after their aircraft made an unscheduled landing in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8, following a technical issue shortly after departing Lagos en route to Portugal.

Burkina Faso’s military authorities subsequently held the personnel and the aircraft over alleged airspace violations, describing the incident as a breach of sovereignty.

Their release and safe arrival mark the resolution of a tense diplomatic episode, underscoring the role of dialogue and cooperation in addressing cross-border security and aviation concerns in the region.