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Burkina Faso’s reckless violation of icao rules over emergency landing exposes AES hostility toward Nigeria
Burkina Faso’s reckless violation of icao rules over emergency landing exposes AES hostility toward Nigeria
By: Zagazola Makama
The seizure of 10 Nigerian Air Force personnel by Burkina Faso’s military regime after an emergency landing has ignited anger across diplomatic and aviation circles, with experts condemning the move as vindictive, unprofessional, and a direct breach of globally recognised ICAO safety procedures.
The Nigerian C-130 Hercules aircraft, which made an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso on Monday, had already obtained clearance before entering Burkina Faso’s airspace, contrary to AES claims. Aviation sources confirmed that the crew followed all required procedures after encountering an in-flight technical distress, including declaring an emergency and requesting the nearest available runway.
Under ICAO international law, which supersedes regional disagreements, an aircraft facing distress has the unrestricted right to land anywhere, including in hostile territory or active war zones. Emergency procedures clearly state that: Pilots must transmit “MAYDAY” or “PAN-PAN” depending on the severity, all air traffic units must grant priority, maintain radio silence, and provide safe landing guidance, no country is permitted to deny landing rights to a distressed aircraft, regardless of political tension or military status and any obstruction or punishment of an emergency landing is treated as a serious violation of international aviation law.
Yet, despite these established global norms, Burkina Faso’s junta responded with hostility, detaining impounding the aircraft while issuing inflammatory statements through the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).
Multiple diplomatic sources say Burkina Faso’s behaviour was not about airspace violation, but about frustration and anger over Nigeria’s role in foiling the recent coup attempt in Benin Republic. The junta in Ouagadougou has openly aligned itself with regimes in Niger and Mali and views Nigeria-led ECOWAS as an adversary.
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, having withdrawn from ECOWAS to form the AES, have taken increasingly confrontational postures. The failed coup in Benin Republic would have added a fourth member to their alliance. Nigeria, working with Beninese authorities, helped abort the mutiny, an outcome that allegedly angered Ouagadougou. It was believe this political grievance drove their irrational and provocative treatment of the Nigerian Air Force crew.
Ironically, while Burkina Faso claimed “sovereignty violation,” the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerien Air Force, both on opposing sides of the ECOWAS–AES political divide continue to operate jointly on the border. Niger and Nigeria have been conducting joint operations against ISWAP in part of North East.
This exposes the immaturity and isolationist attitude of Burkina Faso’s junta, which has adopted a policy of hostility even toward partners with whom they still maintain diplomatic ties.
Despite withdrawing from ECOWAS, Burkina Faso continues to operate its embassy in Nigeria. This makes its hostile action even more illogical and diplomatically inappropriate. If they expect safe operations and immunity for their missions on Nigerian soil, they must uphold reciprocal commitments under international law.
Contrary to AES propaganda, the Nigerian aircraft: had prior clearance, followed ICAO emergency protocols, declared distress, and was compelled to land for safety reasons. Aviation experts noted that aircraft transponders may switch off during emergencies, which is normal and never justifies detention of crew members.
If every country were to behave as Burkina Faso did, global aviation would collapse into chaos. Officials warn that: Burkinabè aircraft could one day face emergencies and require landing in Nigerian airspace. If Nigeria were to apply the same hostile logic, lives could be lost unnecessarily. Aviation safety is built on mutual trust, not political revenge.
A senior aviation specialist described Burkina Faso’s action as: A reckless display of ignorance and political bitterness. Emergency landing protocols are universal. Detaining crew members for saving their aircraft is unacceptable and unlawful.”
Although the Nigerian government has not publicly commented, highly placed sources confirm that quiet diplomatic pressure is being applied at the highest level to ensure the immediate release of the personnel and aircraft.
Burkina Faso’s reckless violation of icao rules over emergency landing exposes AES hostility toward Nigeria
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A human rights organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and the alleged killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, as “a case too many.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed attackers abducted teachers and students from schools within the council area around May 15, 2026, while Mr. Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organisation said several victims were still believed to be in captivity awaiting rescue.
SOJA, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, commiserated with the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians across parts of the country were becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA stressed that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventive steps to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable groups such as school children and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the present circumstances is that government responsibility extends beyond merely reacting after tragic events occur,” the statement said.
The organisation acknowledged reports that security agencies had intensified rescue operations and investigations, but maintained that recurring attacks on schools demanded more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is a case too many,” the statement added.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of lawful rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthened security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for affected victims and families.
The group further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the burden of insecurity,” the organisation stated.
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
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