Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has described the release of 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel and a seized aircraft by Burkina Faso as a “great victory” for Nigeria’s diplomacy. The development follows weeks of quiet engagements between both countries after the personnel were detained during a security operation in the Sahel region.

Fani-Kayode praised the Nigerian government and military authorities for what he called calm, strategic handling of a sensitive international issue. According to him, the successful resolution shows the importance of dialogue and mutual respect among African nations, especially at a time when regional security challenges are increasing.

The former minister also commended Burkina Faso for choosing cooperation over escalation. He noted that the decision to release both the personnel and the aircraft sends a positive signal about strengthening regional ties and working together against terrorism and cross-border crime.

He added that the outcome should encourage Nigeria to continue engaging its neighbours constructively, stressing that unity among West African countries remains key to tackling shared security and economic problems.