Nigeria apologises to Burkina Faso over Sahel airspace breach

Nigeria has moved swiftly to contain diplomatic fallout after one of its military aircraft violated the airspace of the Alliance of Sahel States, dispatching its foreign minister to Ouagadougou on December 17 with a formal apology and a message of reassurance, as reported by Africa News plus agencies.

The incident drew criticism from AES member states and has underscored the fragility of relations between the two countries, which are defined by the divide between AES and ECOWAS.

Nigeria’s foreign minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, travelled to Burkina Faso’s capital, where he was received by President Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Tuggar conveyed Abuja’s regret over the airspace breach, acknowledging that the aircraft had failed to meet authorisation requirements to operate over Burkinabè territory.

On December 18, the Associated Press reported that Burkina Faso released the 11 personnel of the Nigerian Air Force who were detained on December 8.

“It is regrettable that there were irregularities in the documents, particularly with regard to authorisation to fly over Burkinabè airspace,” Tuggar said.

The violation had previously been denounced by the Alliance of Sahel States, reflecting the sensitivity and importance of airspace control among the bloc’s members.

The visit was framed as an effort to reinforce ties between ECOWAS and Burkina Faso rather than allow the incident to deepen mistrust. Tuggar delivered a message of “solidarity and brotherhood” from President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, while also praising Burkina Faso’s recent efforts against militant groups operating in the region.

Security cooperation featured prominently in discussions between the two sides. Tuggar said both governments reaffirmed their determination to work more closely to combat militant attacks, which continues to destabilise large parts of the Sahel.

Nigeria also acknowledged what it described as the spirit of brotherhood shown by Burkinabè authorities in their handling of the aircraft’s occupants. The diplomatic engagement appeared aimed at restoring confidence and maintaining coordination at a time when regional security cooperation remains critical.

Africa News plus agencies, AP, Maghrebi.org