UPDATE: Burkina Faso moves the 11 detained Nigerian Soldiers into isolated detention

By Michael Ehindero

Burkina Faso has reportedly transferred 11 detained Nigerian soldiers to isolated detention amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.

Sources say the Nigerian government has yet to formally convince the ruling military junta that a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft at the centre of the dispute was en route to Portugal. The

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Burkinabè authorities are said to suspect the aircraft may have been linked to deployments connected with an alleged coup attempt in neighbouring Benin.


The development recalls a similar incident in December 2023, when Burkina Faso arrested four French nationals in Ouagadougou and accused them of espionage. France denied the allegation, insisting the men were not operatives of its external intelligence agency, the DGSE.

The junta reportedly demanded €150 million and military equipment for their release. After months of negotiations, mediated by Morocco, the detainees were freed in December 2024, exactly one year later. Reports in francophone media claimed a payment of €60 million and the provision of heavy military equipment facilitated by Morocco, although France has consistently denied making any payment.

Analysts say Burkina Faso may seek to leverage the current detention of Nigerian soldiers unless Abuja moves swiftly to intensify diplomatic engagement.




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