NAF Confirms 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, Benue State, after successfully completing an operation targeting suspected kidnappers.
The helicopter landed on Wednesday at Utur Tse-Igboji community in Bar Council Ward, along the Welfare Quarters–Mopol 13 Ring Road in the state capital.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the helicopter had successfully provided close air support to ground troops during the operation.
According to him, the operation targeted suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State, near the Enugu-Benue boundary, and helped disrupt the activities of the criminal elements while supporting the advance of surface forces.
Ejodame explained that after the successful completion of the mission, the pilot, while returning to base, exercised his professional discretion to make a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield.
He said the decision was in line with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions, adding that the helicopter subsequently returned to base.
The NAF spokesman said the operation formed part of the military’s sustained efforts to maintain pressure on criminal elements and support ground forces in restoring security to affected communities.
He added that the NAF remained committed to providing close air support to surface forces, protecting communities and sustaining coordinated air and ground operations.
Ejodame said the successful outcome of the operation underscored the NAF’s continued resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and support efforts to restore safety and security to affected communities.