Niamey: President John Dramani Mahamas Special Envoy for the Sahel, Colonel Larry Gbevlo Lartey, received the Nigerian aircraft and its crew, just released by the Burkinabe authorities after being detained, allegedly for violating Burkinabe airspace.

According to Ghana News Agency, a statement issued by Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Presidential Spokesman and Minister in-charge of Government Communications, said Col. Gbevlo Lartey welcomed the aircrew on behalf of President Mahama and commended the Nigerian and Burkina Faso Governments for resolving the dispute amicably through diplomatic means.

The incident is an indication that we are brothers and sisters in the West African subregion and can resolve our differences in a neighbourly manner, Col. Gbevlo Lartey said.

The statement noted that the crew would rest in Ghana while conducting their technical checks and awaiting clearance to continue their flight to Portugal, where the aircraft was due for servicing.