NAF Helicopter Makes Precautionary Landing in Benue After Anti-Kidnapping Operation

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter on an operation against suspected kidnappers in Benue State made a precautionary landing on a farmland in Makurdi, the state capital.

The incident occurred on Wednesday in the Utur Tse-Igboji community, Bar Council Ward, along the Welfare Quarters–Mopol 13 Ring Road, while the aircraft was returning from an operation near the Enugu-Benue boundary.

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed the incident in a statement, stressing that the helicopter had successfully completed its mission before the landing.

According to Ejodame, the aircraft provided close air support to ground troops during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State.

He said the operation disrupted the activities of the suspected criminals and supported the advance of the ground forces.

“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,” the statement said.

The NAF explained that such a decision was in line with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.

The helicopter was subsequently returned safely to its base, according to the Air Force.

The incident comes two days after an NAF helicopter was involved in a crash in Ondo State.

The Air Force reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations against criminal elements and providing air support to ground troops in affected communities.

It also said coordinated air and ground operations would continue as part of efforts to restrict the activities of kidnappers and other criminal groups and restore security across affected areas.

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