——– Direct orders to neutralise any aircraft violating the confederation’s airspace going forward.

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso has criticised the emergency landing of a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft in Burkina Faso, describing the incident as an “unfriendly act.”

In a joint statement broadcast on state media across the three countries, the alliance claimed that the Nigerian aircraft, which was carrying 11 military personnel, flew into Burkinabe airspace without prior authorization.

According to the AES, the plane was compelled to land in Bobo Dioulasso after declaring an in-flight emergency.

The aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to land following an emergency situation while operating in Burkinabe airspace.

The alliance further announced that their air forces had been placed on maximum alert.

The statement, however, did not disclose the condition or status of the 11 personnel who were onboard the Nigerian plane.

Relations between the AES nations and their West African neighbours have remained tense since the trio all governed by military regimes withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) earlier in the year.

The Sahel alliance has taken steps to distance itself from Western influence, particularly France, while strengthening ties with Russia.