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Tinubu Sends High-Level Delegation to Burkina Faso to Negotiate Release of Detained Air Force Personnel

President Bola Tinubu has dispatched a high-level government delegation to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, to secure the release of Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew members who have been detained for over a week.

The delegation, led by **Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar**, includes senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters. Their mission is to engage in "peaceful and constructive talks" with the Burkinabè government, including a scheduled meeting with President Ibrahim Traoré.

A Diplomatic Mission to De-escalate Tensions

According to a senior official familiar with the talks, the visit aims to "foster a common understanding between both countries, de-escalate tensions and secure the release of the NAF personnel." The Nigerian personnel have been held since their C-130 transport aircraft made a forced landing in Burkina Faso on December 8, an incident authorities from the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) described as an airspace violation.

The delegation is conveying Nigeria's "enduring commitment to regional security cooperation, dialogue and adherence to international aviation and military protocols." Officials emphasized that the mission illustrates "Nigeria’s preference for diplomacy and neighbourly engagement" and is intended as a "confidence-building visit" to strengthen mutual trust in addressing the region's complex security challenges.

Focus on Shared History and Regional Stability

The official highlighted the long history of security collaboration between Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and other AES nations in the fight against terrorism. The delegation is expected to stress that "sustained dialogue, respect for international norms and regional solidarity remain critical to peace and stability in West Africa."

Nigerian officials expressed optimism that the high-level engagement would lead to a peaceful resolution, deepen bilateral understanding, and reinforce collective security efforts across the Sahel region.

*Source: Naija News*

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