Tensions rise as Burkina Faso's military regime detains eleven Nigerian soldiers following an emergency landing, alleging airspace violation.

Here’s a situation that has turned our regional diplomacy into something of a huge concern. At least eleven of our Nigerian soldiers are currently being held in Bobo-Dioulasso, a major city in southwestern Burkina Faso.

The reason? A Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing there. But here is the twist: the ruling military authority in Burkina Faso, known as the AES, is calling it a clear violation of their airspace.

Security analyst Brant Grant shared the official statement on X Monday night. In it, the AES authorities stated plainly that the aircraft entered their space without authorisation. The warning that followed was even sharper: any unauthorised aircraft in their skies risk being "neutralised."

This incident did not happen in a vacuum. Just a day before, on Sunday, Nigeria had deployed military assets to the Benin Republic. That move was to help stabilise things after an attempted coup next door.

So, you see the timing? While Nigeria was extending a hand of regional support in one direction, a completely different issue was brewing with another neighbour. It’s a delicate moment for West African security.

The big questions now hang in the air. What exactly led to the emergency landing? Was it a genuine technical fault, or is there more to the story? And more urgently, what are the next steps for securing the release of our men?

One thing is clear: this incident throws a stark light on the fragile and complex security landscape in our region. The usual playbook of brotherhood and diplomacy is being tested. We are watching closely and waiting for answers.

For now, the families of those eleven soldiers wait in anxiety. And the path to resolving this, without escalating tensions further, will require careful, behind-the-scenes "Jollof diplomacy" at the highest levels.