The House of Representatives has launched a formal investigation into the ongoing detention of eleven Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel and a C-130 military aircraft by authorities in Burkina Faso. The lawmakers have directed relevant committees to engage with security and diplomatic agencies to ensure the swift and safe return of the crew and the aircraft.
Motion Raises Alarm Over Safety Landing
The probe was initiated following a motion of urgent national importance moved on Tuesday by Hon. Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo, a retired Air Vice Marshal representing Ekiti South West/Ikere/Ise-Orun Federal Constituency. The motion detailed that the NAF aircraft was on a ferry mission from Lagos to Portugal when the crew detected a technical concern shortly after takeoff.
In line with standard international safety procedures, the pilot executed a precautionary landing at the nearest available airfield, which was in Burkina Faso. Hon. Ojuawo strongly dismissed claims circulating on social media that the aircraft was on an intelligence or surveillance mission. He emphasized that the flight was fully documented and conducted according to global aviation regulations, with the landing motivated solely by safety.
Conflicting Narratives and Diplomatic Strains
The incident has sparked a diplomatic dispute. Burkina Faso's military government, through the Agence d'Information du Burkina and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), has alleged that the Nigerian aircraft violated its airspace, condemning it as a breach of sovereignty.
In contrast, the Nigerian Air Force, in a statement by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, maintained that the crew are safe and receiving cordial treatment. The NAF reiterated that the landing was a safety diversion and confirmed that diplomatic channels are being actively utilized to resolve the impasse.
During the plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, lawmakers expressed deep concern. Hon. Ahmad Munir highlighted the fragile security environment in the Sahel and stressed Nigeria's role as a stabilizing democratic force. He called for accountability and stronger engagement with ECOWAS partners.
House Mandates Action and Cautions Against Misinformation
Hon. Donald Ojogo described the situation as a delicate diplomatic challenge, calling for the retooling of Nigeria's foreign service to better handle such complex international engagements. The House collectively warned that misinformation surrounding the event could damage Nigeria's diplomatic standing, strain regional relations, and erode public trust in national institutions.
Following the debate, the House issued a clear mandate:
- The Committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence, Nigerian Air Force, and National Security are to jointly interface with the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as relevant intelligence agencies.
- They are required to report back to the House within two weeks.
- The Federal Government is urged to leverage all bilateral channels, African Union frameworks, and sustained diplomacy to secure the expeditious release of the personnel and aircraft.
- The Office of the National Security Adviser is tasked with coordinating inter-agency communication and providing timely public briefings to curb the spread of false information without compromising sensitive diplomatic processes.
The 11 personnel remain detained in Burkina Faso as of December 16, 2025, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by the Federal Government to secure their freedom.
