Former Ekiti lawmaker and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ayodele Arise, has urged President Bola Tinubu to consider decisive military action to secure the release of Nigerian soldiers currently detained in Burkina Faso.
The senator made the call while speaking on a televised current affairs programme, where he expressed concern over what he described as the prolonged detention of Nigerian military personnel by a neighbouring country. Naija247News gathered that Arise argued that while diplomacy remains important, Nigeria must not rule out the use of force to protect its sovereignty and military personnel.
According to the former senator, Nigeria’s continued restraint could be misinterpreted as weakness. He stressed that neighbouring countries must understand that Nigeria would not tolerate actions that undermine its national dignity or endanger its servicemen. Drawing from global history, Arise referenced Israel’s 1976 Entebbe raid, noting that bold military decisions have, in the past, forced hostile governments to rethink their positions.
Naija247News understands that Arise acknowledged the Nigerian Armed Forces are currently overstretched due to insurgency, banditry and other internal security challenges. However, he maintained that this reality should not prevent the country from defending its troops abroad when necessary.
The call comes amid growing public concern following confirmation by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, that 11 Nigerian military officers remain in custody in Burkina Faso. The minister disclosed that the soldiers were detained after a Nigerian Air Force aircraft made an emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso, sparking suspicion among Burkinabe authorities.
Naija247News reports that Tuggar assured Nigerians that diplomatic engagements were ongoing to resolve the situation swiftly, describing the matter as delicate. He also clarified that the aircraft had no link to Nigeria’s recent security intervention in Benin Republic, countering speculation that the detained officers were on a covert mission.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso’s authorities have claimed that the aircraft violated national airspace procedures, a position that has further complicated negotiations. Naija247News gathered that this explanation has fueled debate among security analysts and lawmakers over whether Nigeria should adopt a tougher regional security posture.
Beyond the detained soldiers, Arise also weighed in on domestic legislative matters, particularly the Senate’s screening of ambassadorial nominees. While he did not fault the “take-a-bow-and-go” approach adopted by lawmakers, he argued that more rigorous questioning would strengthen accountability and ensure competent diplomatic representation.
He noted that Nigeria’s foreign policy challenges require envoys who are thoroughly vetted and capable of navigating complex international relations. According to Arise, stronger engagement during screenings would enhance transparency and public confidence.
As discussions continue, Naija247News understands that the detention of Nigerian soldiers has become a sensitive test of Nigeria’s diplomatic resolve and regional influence, with many citizens watching closely to see how the federal government balances diplomacy with national pride and security.
Babatunde Ogunsakin ✔
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