The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that one of its helicopters made a precautionary landing on a farmland in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, after returning from an operation against suspected kidnappers.
The helicopter reportedly landed on Wednesday night at Utur Tse-Igboji community in Bar Council Ward, along the Welfare Quarters–Mopol 13 Ring Road in Makurdi.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft had been involved in an operation around Ogbadigbo, close to the Enugu-Benue boundary.
Ejodame said the helicopter provided air support to ground troops during the operation, which disrupted the activities of suspected kidnappers.
He said, “The helicopter had successfully provided close air support to surface forces during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State, near the Enugu-Benue boundary.”
According to him, the pilot decided to make the precautionary landing while returning to base after completing the mission.
“Following the successful completion of the mission, the pilot, on return to base, exercised his professional discretion to execute a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield,” he added.
The NAF spokesperson explained that the decision was consistent with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.
He further confirmed that the helicopter had subsequently returned to base.
The Air Force said the operation was part of its ongoing efforts to support ground troops and deny criminal elements freedom to operate in affected communities.
Ejodame added that the successful mission demonstrated the NAF’s commitment to coordinated air and ground operations aimed at improving security across the country.
