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Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has labeled the government’s report regarding the release of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel detained in Burkina Faso as inaccurate.
In a message on his verified X account on Saturday, Rufai stated that the NAF personnel are still in custody in the West African nation.
“I am addressing the situation concerning the seven officers and four airmen of the Nigerian Air Force who have been held along with their Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft since Monday in Burkina Faso,” he noted.
“As you may be aware, the aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal when it encountered a technical problem shortly after departing from Lagos, which necessitated a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso.”
“Contrary to government reports claiming that the crew was released on Tuesday to proceed with their journey, the team remains under detention by the authorities in Burkina Faso. This is primarily due to the federal government not having officially clarified their mission.”
“The detained officers and airmen have had no contact with their families or received any updates from the Nigerian Air Force or the Federal Government.”
“At this juncture, it is essential for the Federal Government to formally communicate with the Burkinabe authorities to confirm that the crew was on an authorized mission to Portugal and had no connection to the operations in Benin.”
“We are advocating for support to raise awareness and hold the government accountable to ensure that timely action is taken,” he emphasized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the detained NAF personnel?
The NAF personnel are still in detention in Burkina Faso, contrary to government reports claiming they were released.
What led to the detention of the NAF personnel?
The personnel were detained after their aircraft developed a technical issue and made a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso while on a mission to Portugal.
What actions are being taken by the Nigerian government?
There has been no official communication from the Nigerian government to clarify the mission of the crew, which is necessary to facilitate their release.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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