Tuggar Meets Freed Nigerian Air Force Personnel In Ouagadougou, Set To Return To Nigeria Today Via Banjul

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, on Wednesday met with the 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel  released following diplomatic engagement with Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

The meeting took place after the successful intervention by a high-powered delegation dispatched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which secured the release of the detained officers. Ambassador Tuggar conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation to the Burkinabe authorities for their cooperation and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to dialogue, regional stability, and strengthened bilateral relations within West Africa.

During the interaction, the foreign minister commended the professionalism, discipline, and resilience displayed by the Air Force personnel throughout their detention, assuring them of the Federal Government’s continued support and concern for the welfare of Nigerian service members wherever they are deployed.

The released officers were engaged in official duties connected to regional security cooperation when the incident occurred. Their freedom followed days of quiet diplomacy and sustained engagements between Nigerian and Burkinabe officials.

The presidential delegation and the 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel are expected to return to Nigeria today (Thursday) via Banjul, The Gambia, according to officials familiar with the arrangements.

The development further underscores President Tinubu’s proactive diplomatic approach and Nigeria’s preference for peaceful engagement in resolving issues involving sister African nations.