Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni has dismissed claims by the Nigerian government that detained Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel in Burkina Faso have been released, describing the reports as untrue.
In a post shared on his verified X account on Saturday, Oseni stated that the affected NAF officers and airmen remain in custody in the West African country.
“I’m reaching out on the situation involving the 7 officers and 4 airmen of the Nigerian Air Force who have been detained alongside their Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft since Monday in Burkina Faso,” he wrote.
He explained that the aircraft was on a ferry operation to Portugal when it encountered a technical fault shortly after departing Lagos, forcing the crew to make a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso.
“As you may know, the aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal when it developed a technical issue shortly after takeoff from Lagos, prompting a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso,” he said.
Oseni countered official claims that the crew had been freed and allowed to continue their journey, stressing that no such release had occurred.
“Contrary to reports from the government claiming that the crew had been released on Tuesday to continue their journey, the team is still being held by Burkina Faso authorities,” he stated.
According to him, the continued detention is due to the absence of formal communication from the Nigerian government to clarify the nature of the mission.
“This is largely because the federal government has not yet reached out officially to clarify its mission,” he added.
Oseni further revealed that the detained officers and airmen have had no contact with their families and have received no official updates from either the Nigerian Air Force or the federal authorities.
“The officers and airmen detained have not had contact with their families or any updates from the NAF and the Federal Government,” he said.
He stressed that the situation could be resolved if the Nigerian government formally engages the Burkinabe authorities to confirm the legitimacy of the mission.
“All that is required at this point is for the Federal Government to formally communicate with the Burkinabe authorities to confirm that the crew was on an authorised mission to Portugal and had no involvement whatsoever in the Benin air operations,” he explained.
Oseni called for public support to draw attention to the matter and ensure swift government action.
“We are seeking support to raise awareness and hold the government accountable so that prompt action is taken,” he concluded.
