Nigeria and Burkina Faso have resolved the issue surrounding the detention of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew in the Francophone country.
The resolution followed a visit by a Federal Government delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, to the leader of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
The breakthrough, reached on Wednesday, came after a constructive engagement between the two governments, reinforcing confidence and underscoring the effectiveness of dialogue in addressing sensitive matters.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the delegation dispatched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a message of solidarity and fraternity to Captain Traoré.
The statement noted that the Burkinabe leader warmly received the Nigerian delegation and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the message of goodwill.
He underscored the long-standing ties between Nigeria and Burkina Faso and emphasised the importance of closer collaboration, particularly in addressing shared security and development challenges across the Sahel and the wider West African region,” the statement read in part.
Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to good neighbourliness and sustained engagement with Burkina Faso, noting that Nigeria remains firmly supportive of initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cohesion, peace, and economic integration.
He also reiterated President Tinubu’s readiness to work closely with Burkina Faso in advancing stability and development.
The delegation also met with the detained crew, who were in high spirits,” the statement added.
RN
