Nigeria’s Swift Benin Intervention, Detention of Air Force Personnel in Burkina Faso Spark Controversy

Our Reporter

A wave of criticism has followed reports surrounding Nigeria’s alleged swift military intervention to foil a coup in the Republic of Benin and the subsequent detention of Nigerian Air Force personnel, alongside the impoundment of a Nigerian fighter jet, in Burkina Faso.

The incident, which has continued to generate public debate, is being described by critics as an embarrassment to Nigeria and a development that raises serious questions about the government’s handling of national security and regional military engagements.

According to reports, Nigerian Air Force personnel were arrested and detained in Burkina Faso over an alleged airspace violation, while a Nigerian jet fighter was impounded by authorities in the country. This occurred despite what observers described as an initial strong response, including threats and ultimatums reportedly issued by the Nigerian government. Weeks after the incident, however, the matter is yet to be conclusively resolved.

Adding to the controversy, the Nigerian Air Force reportedly issued a statement claiming that the aircraft was en route to Portugal. This claim was later denied by the Portuguese authorities, a contradiction that has further fueled public concern and criticism.

Reacting to the development, Bishop-Elect Emmanuel Olorunmagba, National Director, Media and Publicity of the Rescue Movement for New Nigeria, also known as Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative, described the situation as “monumentally embarrassing” and indicative of deeper problems within the country’s security architecture.

“The issue of the Nigerian jet fighter being detained is so embarrassing and exposes government complicity in insecurity,” Olorunmagba said.

There are also unconfirmed allegations that the impounded jet was among those deployed to the Republic of Benin to counter an attempted coup and rescue the country’s president, before allegedly straying into Burkina Faso’s airspace. Critics have questioned the logic behind such a flight path.

“If indeed the jet was deployed to the Republic of Benin, why would it leave Benin and proceed to faraway Burkina Faso instead of returning to Nigeria, which is geographically much closer?” Olorunmagba queried.

Beyond the aircraft incident, the Rescue Movement has expressed grave concern over what it describes as selective military responsiveness. Olorunmagba contrasted the reported swift action in Benin with what he termed a lack of timely response to terrorist attacks within Nigeria.

“Of utmost concern is the ‘swift’ intervention of the Nigerian Air Force in the Republic of Benin to foil a coup, yet there is often no response when terrorists are attacking innocent citizens at home,” he said.

“This has happened even in Abuja, the capital city, in sensitive locations like the Nigerian Defence Academy, and during mass kidnappings of over 200 to 300 schoolgirls.”

He argued that these contrasting responses raise troubling questions about the government’s priorities and commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens.

“Can we then conclude that the government of Nigeria is complicit in the issue of terrorism bedevilling the country?” he asked.

As of the time of filing this report, official authorities have not issued a detailed clarification addressing the conflicting accounts surrounding the jet’s mission, the denial by Portugal, or the continued detention of Nigerian personnel in Burkina Faso.

Analysts say the incident underscores the need for greater transparency, accountability, and consistency in Nigeria’s security operations, particularly at a time when insecurity remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges.