Senator Ayodele Arise has reignited debate over Nigeria’s handling of a diplomatic and military standoff with Burkina Faso by urging President Bola Tinubu to consider forceful measures to secure the release of Nigerian soldiers currently being held in the neighbouring West African nation. Arise, a former senator representing Ekiti North and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, made the call in a television appearance, arguing that military action should remain on the table rather than be dismissed outright.
The senator’s comments come amid growing tension between Nigeria and Burkina Faso following the detention of 11 Nigerian military personnel whose aircraft made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso earlier this month. The C‑130 military plane, which was reported to have diverted due to technical issues while on its way to Portugal, touched down at Bobo Dioulasso without apparent authorisation, prompting Burkinabe authorities to detain the crew and passengers on suspicion of violating national procedures.
Arise acknowledged that the Nigerian armed forces are deeply engaged domestically in the fight against insurgency and banditry, but he insisted that decisive action may be necessary to send a clear message to Burkina Faso’s leadership about respecting Nigeria’s security interests. He drew a historic parallel with the 1976 Israeli rescue mission in Uganda, suggesting that bold military action could compel a rethink by the Burkinabe authorities.
“I think we should move and do something. As a matter of fact, once they are aware that we want to do that, I am sure that the man who is President there will have a rethink because they are our neighbours,” Arise said, emphasising that friendly relations should not be mistaken for weakness.
Arise also voiced support for Nigeria’s recent intervention in the Benin Republic, where military action helped to quell a coup attempt. He rejected criticism that the President acted hastily or unconstitutionally by not formally notifying the National Assembly before deploying troops, arguing that decisive intervention was necessary under the circumstances.
The foreign affairs minister has meanwhile confirmed that diplomatic efforts are ongoing to resolve the situation, with discussions underway to secure the soldiers’ release. Government officials have stressed that the aircraft’s emergency landing was unrelated to Nigeria’s intervention in Benin, and that diplomatic channels remain the primary avenue for addressing the matter.
Arise did not limit his remarks to foreign policy. He also commented on internal legislative practice, suggesting that Nigeria’s Senate should engage more rigorously with ambassadorial nominees to better scrutinise their qualifications and roles.
The episode underscores the complexity of regional security dynamics in West Africa, where diplomatic disputes, military interventions, and shifting alliances continue to challenge governments and test the limits of regional cooperation. Arise’s call for a stronger response reflects broader frustration among some Nigerian leaders over perceived affronts to national dignity and the handling of military personnel abroad.