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The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) on Monday condemned what it described as a “serious violation” of its airspace after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 military aircraft made an emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, without prior authorisation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the regional bloc said the transport aircraft, carrying two crew members and nine military passengers, was intercepted after reporting an in-flight emergency while flying over Burkina Faso. Authorities quickly discovered that the plane had no clearance to operate within AES-controlled airspace.
Burkinabe security services immediately opened an investigation, which, according to the AES communiqué, confirmed the absence of any authorised flight permit from the Nigerian government.
“The Confederation of Sahel States condemns with the greatest firmness this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states,” the statement read.
AES leaders described the incident as an “unfriendly act” that disregarded international aviation rules. The bloc, comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, said additional security measures have now been activated to protect its territorial integrity.
Citing a previous decision by the College of Heads of State, the confederation announced that its air and anti-air defence systems have been placed on maximum alert and authorised to “neutralise any aircraft” that breaches its airspace without approval.
The AES did not clarify whether the detained Nigerian personnel have been released or if diplomatic engagement with Abuja is underway.
The incident adds a new layer of tension between Nigeria and the Sahel confederation, following months of strained relations over regional security, political transitions, and ECOWAS sanctions.
