New Jersey Pilots Jailed in Guinea for 6 Weeks After Landing to Refuel

Fabio Espinal Nunez and Brad Schlenker describe being ambushed by military forces after landing their private plane in West Africa.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Two New Jersey pilots, Fabio Espinal Nunez and Brad Schlenker, have been jailed in the Republic of Guinea for nearly six weeks after landing their private plane there to refuel. The pilots say they had clearance to land but were ambushed by the military, who forced them to the ground at gunpoint. Despite being cleared by three judges, the pilots remain imprisoned as the military refuses to release them.

Why it matters

This case highlights the risks and challenges pilots can face when flying internationally, especially in regions with political instability and military involvement in governance. The pilots' ordeal raises concerns about the ability of U.S. citizens to receive consular assistance and intervention from the federal government when detained abroad.

The details

Nunez and Schlenker were flying a private plane with a Brazilian family from Suriname to Dubai when they landed in Guinea to refuel. Despite having clearance to land, they say they were ambushed by around 100 armed military personnel who forced them to the ground at gunpoint. The pilots have been charged with violating Guinean airspace, though they say they have evidence proving their innocence. Three judges have cleared the men, but the military government is refusing to release them.

  • Nunez and Schlenker were detained in Guinea in early January 2026.
  • They have been imprisoned for nearly 6 weeks as of February 9, 2026.

The players

Fabio Espinal Nunez

A 33-year-old pilot from Ewing, New Jersey who was flying a private plane when he and his co-pilot were detained in Guinea.

Brad Schlenker

The co-pilot who was detained alongside Fabio Espinal Nunez in Guinea.

Lauren Stevenson

Fabio Espinal Nunez's fiancée, who is pleading for the U.S. government to intervene and secure the pilots' release.

Republic of Guinea

The West African country where the pilots were detained after landing to refuel their private plane.

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What they’re saying

“There were around 100 Army people and they were pointing AK-47s at us and talking in French, which we do not know.”

— Fabio Espinal Nunez, Pilot (CBS News New York)

“More like screaming in French.”

— Brad Schlenker, Co-Pilot (CBS News New York)

“We've got the transcripts of the radio transmissions, all clearly revealing the fact that we were innocent and ambushed.”

— Brad Schlenker, Co-Pilot (CBS News New York)

“The military is taking over the government there, and for whatever reason the civil government is allowing their release and the military is not.”

— Lauren Stevenson, Fiancée of Fabio Espinal Nunez (CBS News New York)

“Mr. Trump, can you please come down here and get us out of here?”

— Brad Schlenker (CBS News New York)

What’s next

The pilots are scheduled to appear in court in the coming weeks, and Nunez's fiancée Lauren Stevenson is pleading for the U.S. government to intervene and secure their release before then.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the risks and challenges American pilots can face when flying internationally, especially in regions with political instability and military involvement in governance. It also raises concerns about the ability of the U.S. government to effectively assist its citizens who are detained abroad, even when they appear to be innocent of any wrongdoing.