The Federal Government has sent a top-level team to Burkina Faso to hold talks with the country’s authorities over the ongoing detention of Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew members
The delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, includes senior representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters.
Sources familiar with the visit disclosed that the team is already in Ouagadougou, where it is engaging Burkinabè officials in calm and constructive discussions. A meeting with Burkina Faso’s leader, President Ibrahim Traoré, is also on the agenda.
A senior official explained that the trip is focused on easing tensions, building understanding between both countries and facilitating the release of the NAF personnel, who have now been held for nine days.
The source noted that Nigeria is also using the visit to reaffirm its commitment to regional security cooperation, dialogue and full compliance with international aviation and military standards.
“The mission underscores Nigeria’s preference for diplomacy and neighbourly engagement. It is a confidence-building visit intended to strengthen mutual trust and reaffirm shared responsibilities in addressing the complex security challenges facing the Sahel.”
It was further stated that Nigeria, Burkina Faso and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States have a long-standing history of working together on security, training and regional stabilisation, especially in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
During the engagements, the delegation is expected to stress Nigeria’s position that continuous dialogue, respect for international norms and regional solidarity remain essential for peace and stability in West Africa.
Officials involved in the mission expressed confidence that the talks would result in a peaceful resolution, strengthen bilateral ties and support joint efforts to improve security across the region.
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