The House of Representatives has launched an urgent investigation into the prolonged detention of 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel and a C-130 aircraft by Burkina Faso’s authorities.
The lower chamber directed its relevant committees to work with security and diplomatic agencies to secure the swift release of the crew and aircraft.
The probe followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Retired Air Vice Marshal Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo, representing Ekiti South West/Ikere/Ise-Orun Federal Constituency, during Tuesday’s plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Burkina Faso’s military-led government, through the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), claimed that the Nigerian aircraft violated its airspace without authorisation, an allegation echoed by the country’s state information agency.
The NAF, however, said the aircraft was on a routine ferry mission from Lagos to Portugal and made a precautionary emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso after detecting a technical fault shortly after takeoff.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, assured that the 11 personnel—comprising standard crew and mission support officers—are safe and being treated cordially while diplomatic channels work toward their release.
He stressed that the flight complied fully with international aviation safety protocols and had no intelligence or surveillance purpose.
Ojuawo, in moving the motion, warned against circulating claims of airspace violations, noting that misinformation could undermine Nigeria’s diplomatic relations, regional cooperation, and public confidence in national institutions.
Several lawmakers highlighted the delicate security situation in the Sahel. Ahmad Munir emphasised Nigeria’s role as a stabilising force and called for strengthened accountability and cooperation with ECOWAS partners.
Donald Ojogo described the matter as a sensitive diplomatic incident, urging reforms to professionalise Nigeria’s foreign service in handling such crises.
The House resolved to mandate the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence, Nigerian Air Force, and National Security to engage the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, alongside intelligence agencies, and report back within two weeks.
Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to intensify bilateral diplomacy, leverage African Union mechanisms, and sustain negotiations to secure the immediate release of the personnel and aircraft.
The Office of the National Security Adviser was directed to coordinate inter-agency efforts and provide timely public updates to counter misinformation without compromising ongoing sensitive negotiations.
The detained personnel remain in Burkina Faso as diplomatic engagements continue
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