Burkina Faso-Nigeria: Soldiers Detained, AES Security Vow

A Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft was forced to land in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency while operating in Burkinabe airspace, according to a joint statement released by the Alliance of Sahel States.

“An aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, type C-130, was forced to land today in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency situation while it was operating in Burkinabe airspace,” the statement read.

The Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has characterized the Nigerian aircraft’s flight through its airspace as an “unfriendly act,” placing its air defenses on high alert and authorizing the neutralization of any aircraft violating its airspace.

Some reports indicate the Alliance is considering action against the Nigerian soldiers for what it deems a violation of its airspace.

The three Sahel countries condemned the incident as a breach of sovereignty, asserting their firm condemnation of the airspace violation and infringement upon the sovereignty of its member states.

The Sahel countries also warned that air and anti-aircraft defenses were put on maximum alert and authorized to neutralize any aircraft violating the confederate space, as reported by Punch.

Nigerian airstrikes in Benin

This incident follows recent Nigerian airstrikes against coup plotters in Benin. According to a statement from Nigeria’s presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the Benin administration requested Nigerian fighter jets to secure its airspace and quell a military uprising led by Colonel Pascal Tigri, who had seized the national television station and announced the suspension of democratic institutions.

“Acting on two separate requests from the Government of Benin, President Tinubu first ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped,” the statement read.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, stated that all demands were met, and Nigerian ground soldiers are now operating in Benin only on missions approved by Beninese authorities.

Loyal forces, with Nigerian assistance, quickly regained control of the national broadcaster and suppressed the coup attempt.