Nigeria Issues Formal Apology to Burkina Faso Over Airspace Violation

Nigeria has issued a formal diplomatic apology to Burkina Faso following the unauthorised entry of a Nigerian military aircraft into Burkinabè airspace, an incident that briefly strained relations between Abuja and members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, travelled to Ouagadougou on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, where he was received by Burkina Faso’s president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. During the meeting, Tuggar conveyed Abuja’s official expression of regret over the airspace violation, which had previously been criticised in a statement released by AES member states.

Speaking after the talks, Tuggar acknowledged procedural failures that led to the incident, describing them as an unfortunate lapse rather than a deliberate provocation. “It is regrettable that there were irregularities in the documents, particularly with regard to authorisation to fly over Burkinabè airspace,” the foreign minister said. “This is unfortunate, and we apologise for this regrettable incident.”

The incident involved a Nigerian military aircraft that entered airspace controlled by the AES without the requisite clearance, prompting concern among authorities in Burkina Faso and its regional partners. The AES—a bloc comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger—has taken an increasingly assertive stance on sovereignty and security matters since its formation, particularly in response to perceived external interference.

Tuggar’s visit was aimed at defusing tensions and reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation. Carrying a message of “solidarity and brotherhood” from President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the foreign minister stressed that Nigeria respects the sovereignty of Burkina Faso and all Sahelian states.

“We also discussed the case of a leader of a Nigerian political party who has made disparaging comments about this incident, which is undoubtedly linked to a misunderstanding of the situation,” Tuggar added, in an apparent effort to distance the Nigerian government from domestic political rhetoric that may have aggravated sensitivities surrounding the episode.

According to Nigerian officials, the meeting focused not only on the airspace violation but also on broader security challenges confronting West Africa. The Sahel region has been grappling with persistent insurgency and extremist violence, placing renewed emphasis on cross-border coordination and intelligence sharing.

Tuggar praised Burkina Faso’s recent efforts and what he described as tangible gains in the fight against terrorism, acknowledging the heavy toll the conflict has taken on the country. “We discussed several issues related to the security of our region, in particular the fight against terrorism and how we must work together to combat this scourge,” he said.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a key regional power, has long played a central role in peacekeeping and security initiatives across West Africa. However, relations between Abuja and some Sahelian governments have faced periodic strain amid shifting alliances, military-led governments and differing approaches to international partnerships.

In a conciliatory gesture, Nigerian authorities also commended what they described as the spirit of brotherhood shown by the Burkinabè government in its handling of the aircraft’s occupants. The individuals on board the aircraft remain on Burkinabè soil, and officials in Abuja expressed appreciation for their treatment while diplomatic processes continue.

Analysts say the swift apology and high-level engagement underscore Nigeria’s desire to prevent the incident from escalating into a broader diplomatic rift. With insecurity continuing to threaten economic stability and civilian safety across the Sahel, regional governments have increasingly emphasised unity and mutual respect for sovereignty as essential foundations for cooperation.

For Burkina Faso, the apology represents an acknowledgment of its authority at a time when the country is seeking to assert greater control over its airspace and borders. For Nigeria, the episode serves as a reminder of the sensitivities surrounding military operations in an increasingly complex regional security environment.

Both sides indicated that dialogue would continue, signalling a shared determination to move beyond the incident and strengthen collaboration in the interest of regional peace and stability.