Reps moves to free Nigerian aircraft, crew held in Burkina Faso

The House of Representatives has resolved to meet with senior government officials from the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs over the detention of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft and its crew in Burkina Faso.

The decision was made on Tuesday following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Ekiti lawmaker Rufus Ojuawo. The motion urged the President Bola Tinubu-led government to utilize the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Union frameworks to facilitate cooperation and secure the release of the aircraft and detained personnel.

The lawmakers also called on the Office of the National Security Adviser to coordinate inter-agency communication to ensure national security considerations are addressed without escalation. Additionally, the House urged the Federal Government to provide measures and factual public briefings to counter misinformation while protecting sensitive diplomatic and security processes.

According to Ojuawo, the Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft was on a duly authorised ferry flight to Portugal for scheduled maintenance when it made a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso on December 8, 2025. He emphasized that the flight had been properly documented and conducted in compliance with international aviation standards.

The House exmmpressed displeasure over the continued detention of Nigeria’s aircraft and security personnel on board. Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence, Nigerian Air Force, and National Security to interface with relevant agencies and report back within two weeks.