Burkina Faso has detained 11 Nigerian soldiers after their C-130 military aircraft allegedly violated the country’s airspace, increasing tensions in West Africa. The aircraft was forced to land in Bobo Dioulasso after what officials described as an “in-flight emergency.”
According to a statement from Burkina Faso’s state news agency, the government viewed the aircraft’s presence as an “unfriendly act” and a breach of sovereignty. Burkina Faso is part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) alongside Mali and Niger—three countries currently under military rule.
The AES warned that its air and anti-aircraft systems were now on maximum alert and authorized to neutralize any aircraft that violates their shared airspace. The alliance strongly condemned Nigeria’s aircraft entry, calling it a “serious violation” of its territorial integrity.
The incident comes only days after Nigeria carried out airstrikes in the neighbouring country of Benin to help stop an attempted coup. Nigerian fighter jets and ground troops assisted Benin’s forces in regaining control of the national television station and suppressing rogue soldiers who tried to overthrow the government.
Benin requested Nigeria’s military support through official diplomatic channels. Nigeria responded by sending jets to secure Benin’s skies and repel the coup plotters.
Some reports suggest the Sahel Alliance may take punitive action against the detained Nigerian soldiers, although discussions are still ongoing. The AES insists that any unauthorized crossing into its airspace will be treated as a potential attack.
Nigeria has not issued a full response to the detention, but its military leadership confirmed that its operations in Benin were approved by Beninese authorities.
The Sahel region has become increasingly fragile following a series of military coups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Relations between these junta-led nations and neighbouring democracies—like Nigeria—remain tense.
The detention of the Nigerian soldiers adds a new layer of complexity to already strained West African security dynamics.
