Nigerian aircraft and crew detained by Burkina Faso released

A Nigerian aircraft and its crew, that were detained by Burkinabe authorities for an allegation of violating Burkinabe airspace have been released.

They were received by the President John Mahama’s Special Envoy for the Sahel, Lt Col (Rtd). Larry Gbevlo Lartey.

The handover took place on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

In a press statement, the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu said Lt. Col. (Rtd) Gbevlo Lartey welcomed the crew on behalf of President Mahama and commended the Nigerian and Burkinabe governments for resolving the matter amicably through diplomatic channels.

He described the incident as a demonstration of fraternal relations within the West African subregion and an example of resolving differences in a neighbourly manner.

The Nigerian crew will remain in Ghana to rest, conduct technical checks, and await clearance to continue their flight to Portugal, where the aircraft is scheduled for servicing.