*After Tinubu sends high-powered delegation to Ouagadougou

The Burkinabe authorities has released the detained Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members following high-level diplomatic engagement between both countries, marking a significant boost in Nigeria–Burkina Faso relations.

The release of the Air Force officers, was made after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dispatched a powerful delegation to Ouagadougou, led by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who delivered a message of solidarity and goodwill to Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

Details of the release was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During the talks on Wednesday, Amb. Tuggar conveyed President Tinubu’s commitment to fraternity, cooperation and strengthened ties between the two West African neighbours. 

Discussions also focused on deepening political, security and economic collaboration, with particular attention on joint efforts to tackle regional security challenges and reinforce integration within existing sub-regional frameworks.

In the spirit of constructive diplomacy, both governments resolved the issue surrounding the detained NAF personnel amicably, a move that underscored the value of dialogue and mutual respect in handling sensitive bilateral matters.

President Traoré, while receiving the Nigerian delegation, expressed appreciation for President Tinubu’s gesture and message of goodwill. 

He acknowledged the longstanding relationship between both countries and stressed the need for closer cooperation, especially in addressing common security and development challenges across the Sahel and the wider West African region.

Amb. Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to good neighbourliness and sustained engagement, noting that Nigeria remains supportive of initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, stability and economic integration in the region.

He reiterated President Tinubu’s readiness to work closely with Burkina Faso to advance shared goals, stating that Nigeria “will continue to support efforts that promote regional cohesion, peace and development.”

Both sides agreed to maintain regular consultations and pursue practical steps to deepen bilateral cooperation, reflecting a shared resolve to promote unity and stability across the sub-region.

Members of the Nigerian delegation also met with the released NAF crew, who were described as being in high spirits following their release.

The delegation included the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed; the Chief of Policy and Plans of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal A. Y. Abdullahi; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Amb. Olawale Emmanuel Awe; and the Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Wahab Akande.