Burkina Faso has released a detained Nigerian Air Force crew. This follows a key meeting between Nigeria's delegation and Burkina Faso's leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The crew regained freedom after nearly two weeks in custody.
The incident started when a Nigerian aircraft made a forced landing in Bobo-Dioulasso due to a technical issue. The Nigerian Air Force stated it followed international rules. However the Confederation of Sahel States called it an unfriendly act.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent a high-level team led by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar. The group included National Intelligence Agency Director-General Mohammed Mohammed, Air Vice Marshal A.Y. Abdullahi, Ambassador Olawale Awe, and Wahab Akande. They delivered Tinubu's message of solidarity and friendship.
During the talks, both sides discussed ways to boost political, security, and economic ties. They agreed to hold regular meetings and take steps for better cooperation. This aims to promote peace and stability in the region.
Alkasim Abdulkadir, spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Minister, said: “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.”
This release marks a positive step in Nigeria-Burkina Faso relations. It shows diplomacy can resolve disputes quickly.