A Nigerian aircraft and its crew, detained in Burkina Faso over alleged airspace violations, have safely arrived in Ghana following diplomatic efforts led by Ghana’s Special Envoy for the Sahel, Col. Larry Gbevlo-Lartey (rtd).

Col. Gbevlo-Lartey received the crew on Saturday, December 20, and described their release as a positive sign of cooperation within West Africa. He welcomed them on behalf of President John Mahama.

The Special Envoy commended both Nigeria and Burkina Faso for choosing dialogue over escalating the situation. He emphasized that the peaceful resolution demonstrates the region’s commitment to working together, especially given the current security challenges in the Sahel.

“This incident is an indication that we are brothers and sisters in the West African subregion and can resolve our differences in a neighbourly manner,” Col. Gbevlo-Lartey stated, praising the restraint shown by both governments.

According to the Presidency, the crew will remain in Ghana to rest and undergo necessary technical inspections of the aircraft. Once cleared, they will proceed to Portugal for scheduled servicing.

This successful mediation highlights Ghana’s proactive diplomatic role in the Sahel region, which has been grappling with instability, military coups, and increasingly strict airspace regulations. Col. Gbevlo-Lartey, appointed earlier this year, has been at the forefront of Ghana’s engagement with its neighbours amidst growing regional fragmentation.

The incident occurred as several West African nations reassess their security protocols, particularly within the volatile Sahel belt.

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