Nigeria Apologises Over Burkina Faso Military Flight Incident as 11 Servicemen Are Released.
Nigeria’s apology was received as a conciliatory gesture, reinforcing its commitment to respecting the sovereignty of neighbouring states and upholding international aviation and military procedures.
Nigeria has formally apologised to Burkina Faso following a military aviation incident that led to the detention of 11 Nigerian servicemen earlier this month, a development that briefly tested diplomatic ties between the two West African neighbours but was ultimately resolved through dialogue.
The incident occurred on 8 December 2025, when a Nigerian Air Force aircraft, reportedly en route to Europe for scheduled maintenance, made an unscheduled landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, western Burkina Faso. Burkinabè authorities detained the aircraft and its personnel after determining that the flight had entered the country’s airspace without complete overflight clearance, raising concerns over protocol and sovereignty.
In the days that followed, diplomatic engagements intensified. On 17 December 2025, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, travelled to Ouagadougou for high-level talks with Burkina Faso’s leadership. During the meeting, Nigeria formally expressed regret over the incident, describing it as an administrative and procedural oversight rather than a deliberate violation.
Nigeria’s apology was received as a conciliatory gesture, reinforcing its commitment to respecting the sovereignty of neighbouring states and upholding international aviation and military procedures.
The Nigerian government also reiterated its dedication to peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation, particularly at a time of heightened security sensitivities across the Sahel.
Following the diplomatic intervention, the 11 detained Nigerian servicemen were released on 18 December 2025, bringing the episode to a calm conclusion. Their release was welcomed by both governments as evidence of the power of dialogue and mutual respect in resolving misunderstandings.
Burkina Faso acknowledged Nigeria’s apology and signalled its readiness to maintain constructive bilateral relations. Both countries agreed on the need to strengthen communication and coordination mechanisms, especially concerning military movements and airspace management, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Analysts say the swift resolution of the matter reflects a shared understanding of the importance of unity among West African states, particularly amid ongoing regional security challenges.
As the dust settles, the incident serves as a gentle reminder that even delicate moments in diplomacy can be navigated peacefully. With apologies exchanged and dialogue restored, Nigeria and Burkina Faso appear poised to move forward, reaffirming their commitment to neighbourly relations, regional stability, and mutual respect.
