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There was continued uncertainty on Tuesday regarding the condition of 11 Nigerian Air Force members and the C-130 aircraft detained by officials in Burkina Faso following the plane’s alleged breach of the Sahel nation’s airspace.

By 8pm, two high-ranking military officials informed The PUNCH that neither the staff nor the plane had been set free.

An official stated, “They have not been set free. We are still awaiting their release.”

A senior official, who maintained that the military had committed no wrongdoing, echoed the same stance.

We continue to keep an eye on the circumstances. According to Article 25 of the Chicago Convention (1944), nations are obligated to allow aircraft in trouble to land and offer support.

This is a specific condition that permits military aircraft to enter foreign airspace without authorization. In cases of emergency, this rule is overridden as the main concern is preserving lives. The aircraft is not entering for operational or hostile purposes; it is regarded as an act of force majeure.

Nevertheless, a BBC report presented a different version.

Referencing Burkinabè security officials, the media outlet stated that the staff had been detained for a short period and were now allowed to go back.

The report said: “Eleven Nigerian military officials were temporarily held in Burkina Faso following an emergency landing of their plane in the nation, according to Burkinabè security authorities who spoke to the BBC. The personnel were released and allowed to return to Nigeria.”

Previously, the Nigerian Air Force stated that the individuals on the C-130 plane that touched down in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, were secure and being treated warmly by local authorities.

The plane, which was en route to Portugal, performed an emergency landing following a technical issue identified by the crew shortly after departing Lagos on December 8, 2025.

As per a statement released on Tuesday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the crew headed to the closest airfield following standard safety protocols.

The statement said: “The Nigerian Air Force wants to address rumors about the rerouting of a NAF C-130 plane during its journey to Portugal on 8 December 2025. After departing from Lagos, the crew noticed a technical issue that required an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the closest airport, following normal safety measures and global aviation rules. The NAF team is secure and has been treated kindly by the local officials.”

Work is currently underway to restart the mission as planned. The Nigerian Air Force thanks those who provided assistance during this time and guarantees that the NAF continues to be professionally dedicated to following operational protocols and safety regulations, safeguarding its personnel while carrying out its constitutional duties.

The Foreign Ministry, in a statement released on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated, “We are keeping track of the situation and will provide a statement once we have sufficient details.”

On Tuesday earlier, the military government of Burkina Faso stated that a Nigerian Air Force plane with 11 troops had to make an emergency landing following a reported breach of its airspace.

The Burkina Information Agency, the government-owned news organization, stated that the Confederation of Sahel States released a statement indicating that an inquiry conducted by Burkinabè officials “revealed the lack of permission to fly over the territory of Burkina Faso for this military equipment.”

The AES criticized the situation, stating it “firmly condemns this breach of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member nations.”

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).