A Nigerian Air Force aircraft was compelled to execute an emergency landing in Burkina Faso late Monday, triggering heightened military alerts across the Sahel region. The incident occurred when the Nigerian plane experienced an undisclosed in-flight emergency while en route to Portugal, necessitating an immediate diversion to the nearest available airfield in Bobo-Dioulasso, western Burkina Faso.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, responded by elevating their collective air and anti-air defense systems to maximum alert status. Malian military junta leader General Assimi Goita issued a statement authorizing defensive forces “to neutralize any aircraft violating the confederation’s airspace,” characterizing the Nigerian plane’s entry as unauthorized.
Nigerian military officials confirmed the emergency landing followed established international safety protocols. Air Force spokesman Ehimen Ejodame reported that the two crew members and nine passengers aboard received “cordial treatment” from Burkinabè authorities and remained safe throughout the incident.
This aerial incident occurs against a backdrop of deteriorating regional relations. Nigeria, as a key member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), recently supported intervention efforts that thwarted a short-lived coup in Benin on Sunday. The AES nations had previously withdrawn from ECOWAS, accusing the bloc of imposing inhumane sanctions and working against their citizens’ interests following recent military takeovers in the region. Burkina Faso shares a northwestern border with Benin, while Nigeria borders Benin to the east, creating complex geopolitical dynamics in the wake of these security developments.