The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that one of its helicopters made a precautionary landing on a farmland in Makurdi, Benue State, shortly after completing an operation against suspected kidnappers along the Enugu-Benue boundary.
The incident occurred on Wednesday in Utur Tse-Igboji community, Bar Council Ward, around the Welfare Quarters to Mopol 13 Ring Road area of Makurdi.
The development comes just two days after a Nigerian Air Force helicopter crashed in Ondo State, raising fresh public attention around military aviation operations.
However, the NAF clarified that the Benue incident was not a crash and that the helicopter subsequently returned safely to base.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft had been deployed to provide close air support to ground troops conducting an operation against suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State, close to the Enugu-Benue boundary.
According to Ejodame, the operation successfully disrupted the activities of the suspected kidnappers and supported the advance of the ground forces.
He explained that after completing the mission, the pilot exercised professional discretion and carried out a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield. 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.
This is in accordance with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions. The helicopter has returned to base.
The NAF said the aircraft’s precautionary landing was conducted in line with established operational and safety procedures applicable after combat missions.
The Air Force further stated that its operations remain focused on maintaining pressure on criminal elements, supporting troops on the ground and protecting vulnerable communities through coordinated air and ground operations.
The military said the successful operation demonstrated its continued determination to deny criminal groups freedom of movement while supporting ongoing efforts to restore security in affected communities.
The latest incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened military operations in parts of the country where kidnapping and other forms of criminal activity remain a major security concern.
Available next action: Create a downloadable PDF file here in this chat containing the finalized decisions and immediate actions above
