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Burkina Faso Detains 11 Nigerian Soldiers, Seizes NAF Aircraft Over Alleged Airspace Violation

Burkina Faso’s military regime has detained 11 Nigerian soldiers and seized a Nigerian Air Force aircraft after accusing the jet of violating the country’s airspace.

In an official statement issued on Monday and signed on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel States by junta ally and head of state Assimi Goita, authorities said the aircraft was forced to land in Bobo Dioulasso after what was described as an in flight emergency.

Burkinabe aviation and security officials reported that the aircraft had no clearance to enter or fly over Burkina Faso’s territory.

The statement said that an investigation by the competent Burkinabe services revealed the lack of authorisation for the aircraft to fly over the country.

AES Condemns Airspace Violation

The Confederation of Sahel States, which includes Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, described the incident as a serious breach of sovereignty and international aviation protocols.

The junta stated that it strongly condemned the violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states.

Goita added that the confederation had placed its joint air and anti aircraft defence systems on maximum alert. He warned that any unauthorised aircraft entering the region’s airspace could be neutralised.

The 11 Nigerian soldiers on board the aircraft remain in custody, while diplomatic efforts are underway to clarify the mission and secure their release.

The development occurred less than 24 hours after Nigeria deployed fighter jets to Benin Republic in response to a failed coup attempt in Cotonou.

According to Nigerian presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu approved the use of Nigerian military assets at the request of Beninese authorities. The request covered surveillance, rapid intervention and precision strikes against fleeing mutineers.

Reports indicated that Nigerian jets carried out several airstrikes within Benin’s airspace during the operation.

It is not yet clear whether the Nigerian aircraft intercepted in Burkina Faso was connected to the Benin mission or was on a separate assignment. Burkina Faso lies northwest of Benin and shares strategic air corridors in the Sahel region.

Growing Tensions Between ECOWAS and AES

The incident may further heighten tensions between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger withdrew from ECOWAS in January after disputes over sanctions imposed following military coups. The three countries later formed the AES as a joint military and political alliance.

Following the attempted coup in Benin, ECOWAS activated elements of its standby force to support Beninese authorities. This move was viewed with suspicion by the Sahel military governments.

Goita stated that the AES had taken all necessary measures to protect its territorial integrity and citizens, in light of what it perceives as increasing external threats.

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