The Nigerian military aircraft and 11 crew members have finally taken off from Burkina Faso, The Nation learnt.
The aircraft which was detained by the Burkina Faso authorities following an emergency landing was released after the high powered delegation from President Bola Tinubu met with the country’s military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
The aircraft which was on its way to Portugal for maintenance was said to have developed a mechanical fault necessitating the emergency landing at Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, which was the nearest airport.
Burkina Faso which used to be a member of the Economic Community of West African States pulled out of the Union following its suspension after the military takeover.
The country has since formed an alliance with Mali and Niger, Alliance of States of Sahel.
It therefore regarded Nigeria’s military aircraft in its territory as an unfriendly landing.
However following the diplomatic maneuvering the differences were sorted out by the Presidential delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed the takeoff of the aircraft to The Nation on Friday.
He said: “The Nigerian Military Aircraft and 11 Crew members have taken off from Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso a few minutes ago.
“Bravo to the Embassy of Nigeria in Burkina Faso and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja,” he said.
Ebienfa had previously told our Diplomatic Correspondent shortly after the release that the aircraft and the crew would not be coming home straight away as they will continue their journey to Portugal.
He said the plane was heading to Portugal for maintenance before the incident.
He said: “They are not coming to Nigeria. But proceeding to Portugal for the servicing of the aircraft.
“Will leave for Portugal today.”
