Fate of 11 Nigerian troops unclear after ‘unauthorised’ plane landing in Burkina Faso

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Eromo Egbejule in AbidjanDecember 11, 2025 at 07:18 PM

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Eleven Nigerian military personnel remain in Burkina Faso after their C-130 cargo plane made an "unauthorized" landing in Bobo Dioulasso on Monday. The plane, en route from Lagos to Portugal, reportedly diverted due to technical issues. Burkinabé authorities initially claimed to have released the troops, but Nigerian officials state the matter is unresolved and are working to secure their release. Burkina Faso, part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), deemed the landing an "unfriendly act." The incident occurred shortly after Nigerian troops assisted in thwarting a coup attempt in Benin, leading to speculation regarding the landing's true nature. The AES nations recently withdrew from the Ecowas regional bloc.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Alliance of Sahel States (AES) 70% Bobo Dioulasso ×280% Burkina Faso ×5100% Nigeria ×4100%

Keywords

nigerian troops 100% burkina faso 90% unauthorised landing 80% diplomatic standoff 70% military plane 60% alliance of sahel states 50% international law 50% ecowas 40% c-130 40%