NAF helicopter makes precautionary landing in Benue
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 completing an operation against suspected kidnappers.
The helicopter landed on Wednesday at Utur Tse-Igboji community, Bar Council Ward, along Welfare Quarters to the Mopol 13 Ring Road in Makurdi.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the force said the helicopter had been deployed for an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State, near the Enugu-Benue boundary.
According to the statement, the aircraft provided close air support to ground forces during the operation, which disrupted the activities of the suspected criminals and supported the advance of surface 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 said the decision was in line with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.
It added that the helicopter had subsequently returned to base.
“The NAF remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements, providing close air support to surface forces and protecting communities through coordinated air and ground operations,” the statement added.
