By HAN News Desk
ABUJA — Nigeria has formally apologized to Burkina Faso after a Nigerian military jet entered Burkinabè airspace without prior authorization, an incident that briefly strained relations between the two West African neighbors, officials said Wednesday.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent a high-level diplomatic team to Ouagadougou to explain the circumstances, offer an official apology, and request the release of the detained personnel and aircraft.
The emergency landing involved an 11-member Nigerian Air Force crew who were forced to touch down in Burkina Faso due to technical difficulties, according to Nigerian defense officials. The officers and their aircraft were detained by Burkinabè authorities for 10 days amid heightened security protocols.
“All 11 officers have now been released, and the aircraft has returned safely to Nigeria,” a Nigerian government statement said. “Both countries remain committed to maintaining strong bilateral relations and continuing regional security cooperation.”
The Nigerian Ministry of Defense emphasized that the airspace violation was unintentional and the result of unforeseen technical issues. Officials said steps will be taken to reinforce cross-border communication and flight protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Analysts say the episode highlights the sensitivity of airspace management in West Africa, where several countries share borders in areas prone to insurgent activity. Nigeria and Burkina Faso have previously collaborated on counterterrorism and regional security operations, particularly in addressing extremist groups operating across the Sahel.
“The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of coordination and transparency in cross-border military movements,” said a West African security analyst based in Abuja. “Prompt diplomatic engagement, like the one undertaken by President Tinubu, was critical in preventing escalation.”
Both countries expressed optimism that the episode will not affect long-term cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue and regional stability initiatives.
