Six Nigerian soldiers arrested in Burkina Faso have now spent six days in detention, as diplomatic efforts between both countries continue to secure their release.
The soldiers, who were reportedly in transit to Côte d’Ivoire as part of a peacekeeping mission under the Multinational Joint Task Force, were detained at Fada N’Gourma in eastern Burkina Faso. Their arrest occurred despite prior communication from Nigerian authorities to the Burkinabe government regarding their movement through the country.
According to defence sources, the soldiers had proper identification, travel clearance, and documentation. However, they were allegedly stopped and detained by security forces over “suspicious movement,” triggering a diplomatic row.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside military and diplomatic officials, has since been engaging with their counterparts in Burkina Faso to clarify the situation and facilitate the soldiers’ release. Nigerian authorities expressed concern over the delay, describing it as unnecessary and potentially harmful to regional cooperation efforts.
Sources within the Nigerian Armed Forces revealed that the detained personnel have not been subjected to any form of mistreatment, but the prolonged detention has raised tensions and concern within Nigeria’s defence circles.
Burkina Faso has yet to make an official statement on the matter. However, West African diplomatic channels are actively working to resolve the issue.
As talks continue, the Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peaceful diplomatic relations and has urged Burkina Faso to act swiftly in line with international and regional military cooperation protocols.
