Ghana Receives Nigerian Air Force Crew Released from Burkina Faso After Diplomatic Resolution

Ghana has welcomed a Nigerian Air Force aircraft and its crew, who were recently released from detention in Burkina Faso following a diplomatic intervention. The 11 pilots and crew members had been held since December 8, 2025, for allegedly violating Burkina Faso’s airspace without prior clearance.

The crew's release came on December 18, 2025, after the Nigerian Federal Government stepped in to resolve the matter diplomatically. Led by Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the high-level diplomatic mission successfully secured the freedom of the crew after talks with Burkinabè authorities, including President Ibrahim Traoré.

Special Envoy to the Sahel, Colonel Larry Gbevlo Lartey, was present at the arrival of the aircraft and crew in Ghana on December 20, 2025. In a statement, Lartey commended both the Nigerian and Burkinabè governments for their role in de-escalating the situation.

“This incident is a clear reminder that we are brothers and partners in the West African subregion, capable of resolving differences amicably,” Lartey remarked.

The Nigerian Air Force aircraft, along with its crew, will remain in Ghana briefly to carry out necessary technical checks. Following this, the aircraft is expected to continue its journey to Portugal for scheduled servicing.

This diplomatic breakthrough underscores the importance of dialogue and cooperation in resolving tensions between neighboring countries. It also highlights the role of Ghana in facilitating peaceful resolutions to regional disputes.

The Nigerian delegation’s engagement with Burkina Faso’s leadership, including representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Nigeria Air Force, played a key role in finding a constructive solution to the issue.

 

Source: Yen.com.gh