Reps seek urgent action over detained Nigerian military aircraft in Burkina Faso

The House of Representatives has intervened in the controversy surrounding the continued detention of a Nigerian military aircraft and its crew in Burkina Faso.

Lawmakers have expressed concern that the incident poses significant diplomatic and security challenges, calling for immediate government action.

During Tuesday’s plenary, the House resolved to engage senior officials from the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs to clarify the circumstances behind the aircraft’s detention and to advocate for its prompt release.

The resolution underscores growing unease within the National Assembly over the delay and the welfare of the personnel involved.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rufus Ojuawo, a lawmaker from Ekiti State.

In presenting the motion, Ojuawo stated that the Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft was on an authorised ferry flight to Portugal for routine maintenance when it made a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso on December 8, 2025.

He noted that the maintenance trip was part of the aircraft’s regular lifecycle requirements and emphasized that the flight was fully documented, conducted in accordance with international aviation regulations, including provisions permitting diversion for safety reasons.

“The precautionary landing was made purely on safety considerations and in line with established aviation protocols. The aircraft was neither on an operational mission nor involved in intelligence-gathering or surveillance activities,” he said.

Lawmakers expressed concern that, despite clarifications, the Nigerian aircraft and its military personnel remain in detention.

The House described the situation as unacceptable and warned that it could strain diplomatic relations if not managed carefully.

In its resolutions, the House urged the Federal Government to use regional and continental platforms, including ECOWAS and the African Union, to foster cooperation and secure the prompt release of the aircraft and crew.

Lawmakers emphasized that these mechanisms exist to prevent misunderstandings among member states.

The House also called on the Office of the National Security Adviser to coordinate inter-agency engagement aimed at addressing national security concerns while avoiding unnecessary escalation or diplomatic tensions.

Additionally, lawmakers recommended that the Federal Government provide accurate public briefings where appropriate, noting that this would help counter misinformation while protecting sensitive diplomatic and security processes.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence, Nigerian Air Force, and National Security to engage with the Ministry of Defence and relevant intelligence agencies.

The committees are expected to review all matters relating to the aircraft and its crew and report back to the House within two weeks.

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