The House of Representatives has begun a formal investigation into the continued detention of 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel and a C‑130 aircraft by authorities in Burkina Faso, directing key committees to engage security and diplomatic agencies to secure their release.
The action followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Rufus Ojuawo, a retired Air Vice‑Marshal and lawmaker representing Ekiti South‑West/Ikere/Ise‑Orun Federal Constituency. Ojuawo said the aircraft was forced to make a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso after the crew detected a technical issue shortly after departing Lagos on a ferry mission to Portugal.
Burkina Faso’s military government has alleged that the military transport plane violated its airspace — a claim amplified by the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), which condemned the incident as a breach of sovereignty. However, the NAF maintains the landing was conducted in accordance with standard safety procedures, and that the crew is being well‑treated as diplomatic efforts continue.
During plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Ojuawo dismissed rumours that the aircraft was on an intelligence or surveillance mission, stressing that the flight was properly documented and conducted under international aviation standards. He warned that misinformation could undermine Nigeria’s diplomatic standing and civil‑military morale.
In response, the House mandated the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence, Nigerian Air Force, and National Security to interface with the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs and relevant intelligence agencies, and report back within two weeks. Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to use bilateral channels, African Union frameworks, and sustained diplomacy to secure the expeditious release of the detained personnel and aircraft.
Additionally, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was tasked with coordinating inter‑agency communication and providing timely public updates to counter misinformation without compromising sensitive diplomatic processes.
