The Nigerian House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into the prolonged detention of 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel and a C-130 aircraft by authorities in Burkina Faso.
The lower chamber has directed its relevant committees to collaborate with security and diplomatic agencies to facilitate the swift release of the crew and the aircraft.
The probe was triggered by a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo, a retired Air Vice Marshal representing Ekiti South West/Ikere/Ise-Orun Federal Constituency, during Tuesday's plenary session chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Burkina Faso's military-led government, through the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), has accused the Nigerian aircraft of violating its airspace without authorisation an allegation echoed by the country's state information agency.
In contrast, the NAF maintains that the aircraft, en route from Lagos to Portugal on a routine ferry mission, made a precautionary emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso after detecting a technical issue shortly after takeoff.
The diversion, according to the NAF, complied fully with international aviation safety protocols.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, stated that the 11 personnel comprising standard crew and mission support officers are safe and being treated cordially while diplomatic channels work toward resolution.
He emphasised that the flight was properly documented and not involved in any intelligence or surveillance activities.
Ojuawo, in moving the motion, rejected circulating claims of airspace violation or forced interception, warning that misinformation could damage Nigeria's diplomatic relations, regional ties, public trust in institutions, and national morale.
Other lawmakers echoed concerns over the fragile security landscape in the Sahel region. Ahmad Munir highlighted Nigeria's role as a stabilising force and called for greater accountability in defence and foreign affairs, alongside enhanced cooperation with ECOWAS partners.
Donald Ojogo described the incident as a sensitive diplomatic issue, advocating for reforms to professionalise Nigeria's foreign service for handling such complexities.
Following debate, the House resolved to mandate the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence, Nigerian Air Force, and National Security to engage the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as intelligence agencies, and report back within two weeks.
The lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to intensify bilateral diplomacy, utilise African Union mechanisms, and pursue sustained negotiations for the prompt release of the personnel and aircraft.
Additionally, the Office of the National Security Adviser was directed to coordinate inter-agency efforts and issue timely public updates to counter misinformation without jeopardising ongoing sensitive discussions.
The incident continues amid ongoing diplomatic engagements, with the personnel remaining in Burkina Faso despite efforts by Nigerian authorities.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com