Overview
- Burkina Faso freed two crew members and nine passengers from a Nigerian C-130 on Dec. 18 after meetings between Tuggar’s delegation and leader Ibrahim Traoré.
- The aircraft, which diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso due to a technical issue while bound for scheduled maintenance, will now be flown to Portugal, Nigerian officials said.
- The Alliance of Sahel States labeled the unauthorized entry an unfriendly act and authorized forces to neutralize aircraft deemed to violate its airspace.
- Nigeria acknowledged irregularities in overflight authorization and issued a formal apology, with officials saying an investigation is underway.
- Nigerian Air Force officials said the personnel were treated well, and both countries agreed to maintain regular consultations to strengthen cooperation.