Calls for Swift Action as Nigerian Military Aircraft Remains Detained in Burkina Faso

Table of Contents

1. Intervention by the House of Representatives
2. Concerns Over Detention
3. Motion of Urgent Public Importance
4. Safety Considerations
5. Diplomatic Relations at Stake
6. Recommendations to the Government
7. Committee Engagement

The House of Representatives has stepped in to address the controversy surrounding the ongoing detention of a Nigerian military aircraft and its crew in Burkina Faso.

Lawmakers have raised concerns that this incident presents significant diplomatic and security challenges, urging for immediate government intervention.

During Tuesday’s session, the House resolved to consult with senior officials from the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs to clarify the reasons behind the aircraft’s detention and to advocate for its swift release.

This resolution highlights the growing concern within the National Assembly regarding the delay and the well-being of the personnel involved.

The decision came after the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Rufus Ojuawo, a representative from Ekiti State.

In presenting the motion, Ojuawo explained that the Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft was on an authorized ferry flight to Portugal for routine maintenance when it made a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso on December 8, 2025.

He pointed out that the maintenance trip was part of the aircraft’s regular lifecycle requirements and emphasized that the flight was fully documented, carried out in compliance with international aviation regulations, including provisions that allow for diversion due to safety concerns.

“The precautionary landing was made solely for safety reasons and in accordance with established aviation protocols. The aircraft was not on an operational mission and was not involved in intelligence gathering or surveillance activities,” he stated.

Lawmakers voiced their concern that, despite these clarifications, the Nigerian aircraft and its military personnel remain in detention.

The House deemed the situation unacceptable and cautioned that it could jeopardize diplomatic relations if not handled properly.

In its resolutions, the House urged the Federal Government to utilize regional and continental platforms, such as ECOWAS and the African Union, to promote cooperation and ensure the prompt release of the aircraft and its crew.

Lawmakers stressed that these mechanisms are in place to prevent misunderstandings among member states.

The House also called on the Office of the National Security Adviser to coordinate inter-agency efforts aimed at addressing national security concerns while avoiding unnecessary escalation or diplomatic tensions.

Furthermore, lawmakers recommended that the Federal Government provide accurate public briefings when appropriate, noting that this would help counter misinformation while safeguarding sensitive diplomatic and security processes.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence, Nigerian Air Force, and National Security to engage with the Ministry of Defence and relevant intelligence agencies.

The committees are expected to review all issues related to the aircraft and its crew and report back to the House within two weeks.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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