The Federal Government has dispatched a high-level delegation comprising officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters to Burkina Faso to engage the country’s leadership over the detention of Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew.
The delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, is in Ouagadougou to hold peaceful and constructive talks with the Burkinabè government, including a scheduled engagement with President Ibrahim Traoré.
A senior official familiar with the mission told Akelicious that the visit was aimed at fostering a common understanding between both countries, de-escalating tensions and securing the release of the NAF personnel, who have been held for nine days.
According to the official, the Nigerian delegation is also conveying Abuja’s enduring commitment to regional security cooperation, dialogue and adherence to international aviation and military protocols.
“The mission illustrates 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,” the source said.
Nigeria and Burkina Faso, and other countries of the AES, the official added, have a long history of collaboration in security, training and regional stabilisation efforts, particularly in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
The delegation is expected to emphasise Nigeria’s belief that sustained dialogue, respect for international norms and regional solidarity remain critical to peace and stability in West Africa.
Officials expressed optimism that the engagement would lead to a peaceful resolution, deepen bilateral understanding and reinforce collective efforts to promote security across the region.
