Raphael Oni
The detained Nigerian Air Force officers are set to return home soon, following a successful diplomatic effort by the Nigerian government.
A high-powered delegation, headed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, recently visited Burkina Faso and held talks with President Captain Ibrahim Traoré, resolving the issue amicably.
According to a statement issued by the office of Alkasim Abdulkadir
Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the talks focused on advancing bilateral relations, security cooperation, and regional integration.
Ambassador Tuggar delivered a message of solidarity from President Tinubu, and both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration on shared security and development challenges.
The Nigerian delegation also met with the detained crew, who were said to be in high spirits.
The resolution of the issue has been welcomed as a testament to the effectiveness of dialogue in addressing sensitive matters.
The delegation included top officials comprises of Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency; Air Vice Marshal A. Y. Abdullahi, Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Air Force; Ambassador Olawale Emmanuel Awe, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS; and Ambassador Wahab Akande, Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to good neighbourliness and regional cooperation, with President Tinubu expressing readiness to work closely with Burkina Faso to promote stability and development in the sub-region.
