Dare Babalola
Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has welcomed the release of 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel from Burkina Faso, using the occasion to criticise what he described as neocolonialist and imperialist influences in Africa.
In a Thursday post on his verified X handle, Sani emphasised that Africans should not be used as pawns by neocolonialists and imperialists.
The former lawmaker wrote, “The release of the Nigerian Airforce men held by the Ibrahim Traore led military junta is commendable. Our Foreign Affairs Minister’s diplomatic shuttle bears fruit.
“As Africans, we need to constantly remind ourselves that we are brothers and sisters who should not be lackeys or pawns of neocolonialists and imperialists, whose interest in our continent is basically our resources.
“And it’s easier and more accessible to them when we are in conflict with each other.”
On December 8, 2025, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft with 11 personnel on board made a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, due to a technical issue while on a ferry mission to Portugal. The Confederation of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, claimed the landing was an “unfriendly act” carried out without authorisation, violating international law, and subsequently detained the aircraft and personnel.
The incident sparked diplomatic tensions, with Nigeria asserting the landing was a safety measure following standard aviation protocols. The Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, initiated high-level talks with Burkina Faso’s leadership. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, led a delegation to Ouagadougou, engaging with President Ibrahim Traoré to resolve the situation peacefully.
After nine days of detention, Burkina Faso released the 11 NAF personnel on December 17, 2025, following intensive diplomatic efforts. Nigeria emphasised its commitment to regional cooperation and adherence to international norms, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming the release and arranging for the personnel’s return. The move is seen as easing tensions between the two nations, both key players in West African security efforts.
