A Nigerian aircraft and its crew, detained in Burkina Faso following allegations of airspace violation, have been released.

The crew was received on Saturday, December 20, 2025, by President John Mahama’s Special Envoy for the Sahel, Lt Col (Rtd.) Larry Gbevlo Lartey.

According to a press statement from the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Lt. Col. (Rtd) Gbevlo Lartey extended a welcome on behalf of President Mahama and praised both the Nigerian and Burkinabe governments for their diplomatic resolution of the issue.

“This incident demonstrates the fraternal relations within our West African subregion and serves as an example of resolving differences in a neighbourly manner,” Kwakye Ofosu stated.

The Nigerian crew will remain in Ghana to rest and undergo necessary technical checks before receiving clearance to proceed to Portugal for scheduled aircraft servicing.

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, revealed on Thursday that the two flight crew members and nine passengers were initially detained on December 8, 2025, after an emergency landing in Burkina Faso. He affirmed that sustained dialogue led to their release.

“Through sustained dialogue, we also resolved the matter concerning Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew, reaffirming the effectiveness of diplomacy in addressing sensitive issues,” Tuggar said.

The release followed meetings between a Nigerian delegation and Burkina Faso’s military regime, led by Ibrahim Traoré. The Nigerian Air Force had previously stated that the emergency landing was conducted in line with international guidelines and standard safety procedures as the aircraft was en route to Portugal for maintenance.

The emergency landing had prompted the Alliance of Sahel States – comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger – to heighten its air defences, with Gen. Assimi Goita, leader of Mali’s military junta, authorising the neutralisation of any aircraft violating its airspace.

Nigerian foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed on Thursday that the crew would now fly the aircraft to Portugal for the planned maintenance.

This incident occurred amidst strained relations between the Alliance of Sahel States and Nigeria, particularly following Nigeria’s intervention in Benin earlier this month to thwart a coup attempt, which involved airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force. Burkina Faso shares a border with Benin to the northwest, while Nigeria lies to the east.

Nigeria and Ghana continue to play leading roles within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a 15-member regional bloc. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger withdrew from ECOWAS, citing inhumane sanctions and perceived bias against their interests.

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