The House of Representatives has resolved to meet officials of Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs over the detained aircraft and military personnel in Burkina Faso.
The resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Rufus Ojuawo.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Ojuawo observed that the Nigerian aircraft was on a duly authorised ferry flight to Portugal for scheduled depot maintenance when it made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, on December 8, 2025.
He added that the safe flight was properly documented and conducted in compliance with the international aviation standards, including provisions for diversion on safety grounds.
He argued that the “precautionary landing was made purely on safety considerations and in line with established aviation protocols.
“The aircraft was neither on an operational mission nor involved in intelligence gathering or surveillance activities.”
The lawmaker urged the President Tinubu-led government to make use of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Union (AU) framework to facilitate cooperation, mutual understanding and expeditious clearance of the aircraft and the detained military personnel.
“The House also urged the Office of the National Security Advisor to coordinate interagency communication to ensure that national security considerations are addressed without escalation.
The House also urged Federal Government to provide measures and factual public briefings where appropriate to counter misinformation while protecting sensitive diplomatic and security processes.
Consequently, the House mandated the joint Committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence, Nigerian Air Force and National Security to interface with Federal Ministry of Defence, and other relevant intelligence agencies, to address all issues related to the aircraft and its crew, and to report back to the House within two weeks.