The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Burkina Faso

  • Champions Cote d’Ivoire complete quarter-finalists with  victory over Burkina Faso

    Champions Cote d’Ivoire complete quarter-finalists with  victory over Burkina Faso

    Winger Amad Diallo scored one goal and created another to continue his excellent form in Morocco as defending champions Ivory Coast eased past Burkina Faso 3-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations round-of-16 fixture in Marrakech on Tuesday.

    The Ivorians will face record seven-time winners Egypt in a heavyweight quarter-final in Agadir on Saturday, a colossal clash that is a repeat of the 2006 decider where the North African side triumphed on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

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    Yan Diomande and Bazoumana Toure were also on target for coach Emerse Fae’s team as they dominated the contest against an out-gunned Burkinabe and might have won by a greater margin but for some excellent goalkeeping from Herve Koffi.

    Diallo, 23, will go back to a new manager at Manchester United after the finals in Morocco having been one of the stand-out players at the tournament so far with three goals and an assist, driving the Ivorians’ impressive title defence.

  • NCTC boss: Coups in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso worsen security in Nigeria

    NCTC boss: Coups in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso worsen security in Nigeria

    The Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Garba Laka, has said insecurity in Nigeria worsened following the military coups in Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali.

    Laka made the disclosure while responding to questions from journalists during the end-of-year media parley with Defence Correspondents on Tuesday.

    According to him, the Sahel region, particularly Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, has witnessed heightened instability and increased extremist activities, developments which have the potential to negatively impact Nigeria’s security situation.

    He said, “We have these countries facing these threats and we think we will see peace in Nigeria? No. 

    “You must have noticed that towards the end of 2023, the security situation was improving, but immediately after the coups in these countries, that was when the situation began to get worse, because these terrorist groups have connections across the Sahel.

    “So Nigeria has to play that leadership role in West Africa and the Sahel to address these threats.”

    According to Laka, while issues such as porous borders and the withdrawal of Sahelian states from the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) may negatively impact the fight against insecurity, recent coups in those countries have significantly contributed to the worsening insecurity in Nigeria.

    “As long as those countries keep on facing this threat, Nigeria will continue facing the brunt,” Laka said.

    “If you look at the whole region, Nigeria is the richest country in West Africa. Nigeria is the only country that you kidnap somebody and ask that 100 million be paid and it will be paid.

    “So these people come into this country to look for means of running their operations across. So as security agencies, we are doing our best. It is a very hard task but we are doing our best and we need the Nigerians to believe in us.”

    The counter-terrorism chief stated that kidnapping in Nigeria has become a complex enterprise involving many people—including cases where individuals kidnap themselves and demand ransom from their own family members—as well as informants, making it difficult to address effectively.

    He added that many kidnappers have been arrested through tracking and other methods, the details of which are not publicly disclosed due to security concerns.

    He, however, noted that a major challenge the centre faces in tracking kidnappers is the use of Point of Sale (POS) operators, as families of kidnap victims often use them to transfer ransom payments, making the kidnappers difficult to trace.

    He said: “You may see that a transfer has been made by a victim to a terrorist. If an account number is provided, you might find out it belongs to a POS operator.

    “Also, the kidnappers give the POS operator’s number, the victim transfers the money to the POS operator, and then the kidnappers collect it from them. We are, however, working on this, doing our best, and we will not relent.”

    He said Nigeria was able to get off the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list through its efforts in tracking ransom payments and recovering funds from terrorists.

    “The NCTC set up a joint investigation committee comprising all security agencies involved in financial oversight—EFCC, NFIU, ICPC,” Laka said.

    “This is how we were able to track and recover the funds, and arrests were also made. Some of this information is not disclosed to the public because it is sensitive security information. But I guarantee you, we have arrested many people based on ransom payments.”

    The NCTC boss stated that the federal government, in collaboration with social media platforms, has blocked numerous accounts belonging to terrorists and violent extremists, helping to curb their indoctrination and recruitment efforts while demonstrating the government’s resolve.

    He said: “We have had so many meetings with these social media houses, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and X – though they are in business looking for more subscribers – but we explained to them the effects of certain posts on our national security, and they took them down. 

    “Even the post of these bandits that you see will come on TikTok showing their loot, we took them down, you won’t see that again.”

    The NCTC stated that while terrorist tactics continue to evolve, security agencies are actively countering them as new threats emerge.

    “So we will keep on doing our best, and with Mr. President’s directive, in 2026 we are going to up our game,” Laka said. 

  • NAF C-130 aircraft released from Burkina Faso lands in Ghana 

    NAF C-130 aircraft released from Burkina Faso lands in Ghana 

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft, which was released on Thursday by Burkinabe authorities following a diplomatic meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has arrived in Ghana.

    NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, revealed this in a statement on Friday. 

    He said the aircraft departed Bobo-Dioulasso airfield, Burkina Faso on Friday evening and arrived safely in Accra in line with the updated flight plan.

    Ejodame revealed that the aircraft landing in Ghana was in preparation for onward movement to Portugal via Banjul and Casablanca for its scheduled depot maintenance. 

    The statement read, “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is pleased to confirm that its C-130 aircraft, which made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, departed this evening and arrived safely in Accra in line with updated flight plan, preparing for onward movement to Portugal via Banjul and Casablanca for its scheduled depot maintenance. 

    “The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the concern and support expressed by members of the public and assures Nigerians that all personnel remain safe, the aircraft is serviceable, and the Service continues to operate to the highest standards of safety and professionalism.”

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    The Nation reports that there was a diplomatic misunderstanding between Nigeria and Burkina Faso two weeks ago after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft made a precautionary landing in the Sahelian country on December 8.

    The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) described the landing as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law.”

    But according to a statement by a NAF spokesperson, on December 9, the aircraft was en route to Portugal for maintenance, but had to divert to the Bobo-Dioulasso Airfield in Burkina Faso after the crew detected a technical issue a few hours after departing Lagos on December 8.

    Ejodame explained that the Bobo-Dioulasso Airfield was the nearest available airfield at the time, noting that the diversion was in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.

    “Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that the NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate,” he said.

    However, despite the explanation, allegations of espionage circulated online. These allegations were later refuted by credible sources at the NAF Headquarters.

    Some online publications alleged that the aircraft was forced to land by Burkinabe authorities over alleged clandestine intelligence activities. They also alleged that the clandestine operation was backed by foreign powers, claiming that the experience of the crew onboard had no correlation with maintenance activities, contrary to the NAF’s assertion that the aircraft was en route to

    But a credible source, who spoke to The Nation on December 15, debunked the allegations as entirely “false, misleading, and unsupported by facts.”

    According to the source, the flight was covered by all necessary documentation, including provisions for diversion in line with international aviation procedures.

    The source added that the precautionary landing at Bobo-Dioulasso was initiated strictly on safety grounds and in full compliance with standard aviation protocols.

    “At no time was the aircraft intercepted, forced to land, or found operating without authorisation, and claims of airspace violation or hostile intent are fabrications intended to misinform and inflame public sentiment,” the source said.

    The credible source also described the allegations of espionage, SIGINT operations, foreign sponsorship, or the involvement of other external networks, as “baseless”, insisting that the personnel on board were standard aircrew and mission-support officers “conducting a legitimate military air movement, not intelligence operatives, and the aircraft was not equipped with surveillance or data-collection systems of any kind.”

    The source said that the professional interactions between the Burkinabe authorities and the NAF crew since the aircraft’s emergency landing, as well as the fact that the crew had been in contact with their families, indicated that there was nothing clandestine about the aircraft or the crew’s mission.

    The source said, “Contrary to online speculation, there was no official statement from the NAF claiming that the crew had been released. 

    “Matters relating to the aircraft and its personnel are being responsibly managed by the relevant Nigerian government ministries and agencies through established diplomatic channels, in line with international norms and bilateral relations.”

    The source cautioned that the continued circulation allegation reflects a deliberate disinformation effort aimed at discrediting Nigeria, undermining trust, and straining regional relations. 

    On Wednesday, December 16, President Bola Tinubu sent a delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, to meet with Ibrahim Traoré, Burkin Faso’s military leader, and both sides amicably resolved the issue, leading to the release of the aircraft and the crew by Burkinabe authorities on Friday, December 19.

  • Detained Nigerian Military Aircraft, crew finally depart Burkina Faso

    Detained Nigerian Military Aircraft, crew finally depart Burkina Faso

    The Nigerian military aircraft and its 11 crew members have finally departed Burkina Faso, The Nation has learnt.

    The aircraft, which had been detained by Burkinabe authorities after making an emergency landing, was released following the intervention of a high-powered delegation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which met with Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

    The aircraft was en route to Portugal for routine maintenance when it reportedly developed a mechanical fault, forcing an emergency landing at Bobo-Dioulasso, the nearest airport.

    Burkina Faso, a former member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), withdrew from the bloc after its suspension following a military takeover and has since aligned with Mali and Niger under the Alliance of States of the Sahel. Against this backdrop, Nigerian military aircraft in its territory was initially viewed as an unfriendly presence.

    However, the matter was resolved through diplomatic engagement led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, at the head of the presidential delegation.

    Confirming the development on Friday, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the aircraft and crew had taken off from Bobo-Dioulasso.

    “The Nigerian military aircraft and 11 crew members have taken off from Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, a few minutes ago,” he said, commending the Nigerian Embassy in Burkina Faso and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja for their efforts.

    Ebienfa added that the aircraft was not returning to Nigeria immediately but would proceed to Portugal as originally planned.

    “They are not coming to Nigeria but proceeding to Portugal for the servicing of the aircraft. They will leave for Portugal today,” he said.

  • Air Force C-130 crew continues mission from Burkina Faso to Portugal

    Air Force C-130 crew continues mission from Burkina Faso to Portugal

    The Nigerian Air Force C-130 crew, earlier detained in Burkina Faso and released yesterday, has continued its mission from the country to Portugal with the same aircraft.

    The crew, comprising 11 Nigerian personnel, was on a mission to Portugal for scheduled aircraft maintenance when it made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso.

    The emergency landing, which occurred in Bobo-Dioulasso on Dec. 8, 2025, was described as a precautionary measure following a technical issue with the aircraft.

    The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the crew resumed its journey to Portugal after engagements between Nigerian and Burkina Faso authorities.

    Ebienfa said the release of the crew followed diplomatic interventions by a high-powered Nigerian delegation dispatched to Burkina Faso by President Bola Tinubu.

    The delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, and included the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed; the Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal A. Y. Abdullahi; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Amb. Olawale Awe; and the Chief of Protocol in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Wahab Akande.

    Another statement issued by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Tuggar’s spokesperson, said both sides amicably resolved the issue concerning the Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew.

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    The soldiers were detained for nearly two weeks after the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) described the landing as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law”.

    But the air force said the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, a city in Burkina Faso, with the nearest airfield.

    NAF said the landing was in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.

    Last week, there were unconfirmed reports that Burkinabe authorities released the Nigerian soldiers.

    However, Tuggar said the military personnel were still in the Sahelian country, adding that efforts were ongoing to resolve the situation quickly.

    Yesterday’s talks between Nigerian and Burkinabe officials over the matter were held in Ouagadougou.

    Abdulkadir noted that Tuggar delivered a message of solidarity and fraternity from Tinubu to Traoré, as both sides considered avenues for deepening bilateral relations and strengthening integration within the regional bloc.

    Abdulkadir said the discussions centred on advancing political, security, and economic cooperation, with particular emphasis on coordinated responses to regional security challenges and collective action through existing sub-regional frameworks.

     “Both sides agreed to sustain regular consultations and pursue practical measures to deepen bilateral cooperation and regional integration, reflecting a shared resolve to promote peace, unity, and stability in the sub-region,” the minister’s aide said in a statement.

  • Detained Nigerian aircraft, personnel in Burkina Faso head to Portugal

    Detained Nigerian aircraft, personnel in Burkina Faso head to Portugal

    The Nigerian aircraft that was detained in Burkina Faso is expected to depart for Portugal on Thursday, The Nation has learned.

    The release of the 11 Nigerian soldiers and the aircraft followed a high-level meeting between the Federal Government and top officials of the Burkina Faso government. 

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, led a presidential delegation to meet with the country’s military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

    According to a statement by the media aide to the Minister, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the meeting resolved the issues concerning the soldiers and the aircraft amicably, in the spirit of constructive engagement between both countries. 

    “In the same spirit of constructive engagement, the two governments amicably resolved the issue concerning Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew, reinforcing confidence and highlighting the effectiveness of dialogue in addressing sensitive matters,” the statement said.

    However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, clarified that the crew would not return directly to Nigeria. 

    The plane is scheduled to continue to Portugal for maintenance, as planned before the incident. “They are not coming to Nigeria, but proceeding to Portugal for the servicing of the aircraft. Will leave for Portugal today,” he told our Diplomatic correspondent.

  • JUST IN: Burkina Faso releases 11 detained Nigerian Air Force personnel

    JUST IN: Burkina Faso releases 11 detained Nigerian Air Force personnel

    The Federal Government has confirmed the release of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft and 11 personnel who were detained in Burkina Faso following a forced landing.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, announced the development on Wednesday night, stating simply: “Yes, they have been released.”

    The confirmation followed a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yusuf Tuggar, and Burkina Faso junta leader, Mr. Ibrahim Traoré, in Ouagadougou. Tuggar led a Nigerian delegation at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, briefing journalists on the outcome.

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    The incident occurred nearly two weeks ago when a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft, carrying 11 personnel on a ferry mission to Portugal, made a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso due to a technical issue.

    Director of Public Relations of the Nigerian Air Force, Mr. Ehimen Ejodame, said the crew acted in line with international aviation protocols, opting for the nearest airfield to ensure safety.

    However, the Mali junta leader, Mr. Assimi Goita, speaking for the Confederation of Sahel States, condemned the landing as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law,” warning that member states were authorised to neutralise aircraft violating their airspace.

  • NAF Aircraft’s emergency landing in Burkina Faso not clandestine mission – Military source

    NAF Aircraft’s emergency landing in Burkina Faso not clandestine mission – Military source

    The claim that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft that made an emergency landing at Bobo-Dioulasso Airfield in Burkina Faso was on a clandestine intelligence operation may not be true.

    This is based on new facts made available to The Nation on Monday. 

    Some online publications alleged that the aircraft, which reportedly made an emergency landing on December 8, was forced to land by Burkinabe authorities over alleged clandestine intelligence activities.

    The publication also alleged that the clandestine operation was backed by foreign powers, claiming that the experience of the crew onboard had no correlation with maintenance activities, contrary to the NAF’s assertion that the aircraft was en route to Portugal for maintenance purposes.

    A credible source at the NAF Headquarters, Abuja, told The Nation that the claims of a clandestine intelligence operation was entirely “false, misleading, and unsupported by facts.”

    According to the source, the flight was covered by all necessary documentation, including provisions for diversion in line with international aviation procedures.

    The source added that the precautionary landing at Bobo-Dioulasso was initiated strictly on safety grounds and in full compliance with standard aviation protocols.

    “At no time was the aircraft intercepted, forced to land, or found operating without authorisation, and claims of airspace violation or hostile intent are fabrications intended to misinform and inflame public sentiment,” the source said.

    The credible source also described the allegations of espionage, SIGINT operations, foreign sponsorship, or the involvement of other external networks, as “baseless”, insisting that the personnel on board were standard aircrew and mission-support officers “conducting a legitimate military air movement, not intelligence operatives, and the aircraft was not equipped with surveillance or data-collection systems of any kind.”

    The source said that the professional interactions between the Burkinabe authorities and the NAF crew since the aircraft’s emergency landing, as well as the fact that the crew had been in contact with their families, indicated that there was nothing clandestine about the aircraft or the crew’s mission.

    The source said, “Contrary to online speculation, there was no official statement from the NAF claiming that the crew had been released. 

    “Matters relating to the aircraft and its personnel are being responsibly managed by the relevant Nigerian government ministries and agencies through established diplomatic channels, in line with international norms and bilateral relations.”

    The source cautioned that the continued circulation allegation reflects a deliberate disinformation effort aimed at discrediting Nigeria, undermining trust, and straining regional relations. 

    “The public is therefore urged to rely on verified information and to disregard sensational claims designed to distort facts and threaten regional stability,” the source warned.

    NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on December 9, clarified why the NAF C-130 aircraft made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

    According to the NAF spokesperson, the aircraft, en route to Portugal for maintenance, diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso Airfield in Burkina Faso after the crew observed a technical issue a few hours after taking off from Lagos on December 8.

    Ejodame said the Bobo-Dioulasso Airfield was the nearest airfield to the aircraft at that time, noting that the move was in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. 

    “Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate,” he said. 

  • Fed Govt, Burkina Faso in talks over seized NAF C-130 plane, 11 arrested soldiers

    Fed Govt, Burkina Faso in talks over seized NAF C-130 plane, 11 arrested soldiers

    The  Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun diplomatic moves to free the seized  Air Force C-130 aircraft  and 11 personnel arrested by the government of Burkina Faso.

    Conflicting media reports on Wednesday indicated that authorities  in Burkina Faso released the 11 Nigerian military personnel held after a cargo plane from Lagos made an “unauthorised” emergency landing in its second largest city, Bobo-Dioulasso.

    But, diplomatic reports showed that the plane and detained soldiers were still in Burkina Faso as at the time of filing of this report yesterday.

    The breakaway regional Association of Sahel States (AES) said on Monday that the C-130 aircraft had entered Burkina Faso’s airspace without clearance, calling it an “unfriendly act”.

    A statement by the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), signed by Assimi Goita, the Mali junta leader, alleged that the NAF plane entered the airspace of Burkina Faso without clearance.

    But NAF said the aircraft made a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso, one of Burkina Faso’s cities, due to a technical problem.

    The AES comprises Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger Republic, being three countries which pulled out of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), following the organisation’s opposition to the military coups in the three countries.

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    However, media reports yesterday indicated that though the NAF aircraft followed due process and international aviation statutes in making the precautionary landing, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are seeing the situation as an opportunity to get back at Nigeria, following her role in the actions taken by the regional bloc which led to their withdrawal from the group.

    It was gathered yesterday that the situation has prompted high-level diplomatic intervention between Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officials of the government of Burkina Faso.

    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stepped in. The aircraft was ready to continue its journey to Portugal on Tuesday but signals from the Burkina Faso officials are unclear. It will be sorted out at the diplomatic level,” a source said.

    The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said earlier reports that the detained Nigerian military aircraft and soldiers had been released were false.“

    He, however, said that the government was engaging its Burkina Faso counterpart diplomatically to secure the release of the soldiers and the aircraft.“

    “They have not been released as we speak, but we are trying to secure that. We are engaging the Burkina Faso authorities using usual diplomatic channels,” he said.

    “Asked what could have been the reason behind the delay to release them by the Burkinabe government, he said the ministry wasn’t aware, but assured that every diplomatic channel was being explored to bring those detained home.

    NAF on Tuesday disclosed that following the emergency landing of it’s C 130 aircraft in Burkina Faso over technical concerns on Monday, plans were ongoing to resume the flight to Portugal as scheduled.

     Director of NAF Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, had, in a statement titled, ”Safe Precautionary Landing of NAF C-130 Aircraft in Burkina Faso, said plans were ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled, but the plans did not work out, as the Burkinabe government refused to budge.

    “Following take-off from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. The NAF crew is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities.

    “Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate,” NAF had said in a  statement issued on Tuesday.

    Officials of the Confederation of Sahel States said their investigation showed the plane did not have authorisation to fly over Burkina Faso.

    “They described the episode as a breach of national sovereignty and expressed strong displeasure over the unauthorised entry,” the Confederation stated.

  • NAF: why our aircraft made precautionary landing in Burkina Faso

    NAF: why our aircraft made precautionary landing in Burkina Faso

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has explained why its C-130 aircraft landed at Bobo-Dioulassoin airfield in Burkina Faso.

    NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, clarified a statement yesterday in Abuja.

    The statement explained that the NAF C-130 aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal on December 8 when it developed a technical problem a few minutes after take-off from Lagos.

    The statement said the aircraft had to make a precautionary landing at Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield.

    This is contrary to reports in some sections of the media that Burkina Faso’s military authorities seized the aircraft and 11 Nigerian military officers, due to alleged violation of its airspace.

    It said the landing at the Bobo-Dioulasso airfield was in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. 

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to clarify reports regarding the diversion of a NAF C-130 aircraft during its ferry mission to Portugal on December 8.

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    “Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.”

    It stressed that the NAF crew are safe and that they received cordial treatment from the host authorities.

    “Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled,” it said.

    The NAF expressed appreciation for the support it received during the period, and assured the public that it remains “professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate”.