Burkina Faso Transfers 11 Detained Nigerian Soldiers Into Isolated Detention

Burkina Faso has reportedly transferred 11 detained Nigerian soldiers to isolated detention amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.

The Nigerian government has reportedly been unable to formally prove to the Junta that the C-130 aircraft in question was indeed flying to Portugal.

Sources close to the matter claim the Junta suspects the aircraft was connected to operations deployed to counter the alleged Benin coup.

In a similar incident, Burkina Faso arrested four French nationals in Ouagadougou in December 2023, accusing them of espionage.

The French government denied they were DGSE agents. The Junta demanded €150 million and military equipment for their release.

After prolonged negotiations mediated by Morocco, the French nationals were freed in December 2024, reportedly following a payment of €60 million and the transfer of some heavy artillery.

France continues to deny any payment, but reports from francophone countries insist the Burkinabè government was compensated.

As it stands, Burkina Faso appears ready to leverage the situation with the Nigerian soldiers, unless the Nigerian government accelerates negotiations.