The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said a helicopter that landed on farmland in Makurdi, Benue State, on Wednesday had just completed an operation against suspected kidnappers near the Enugu-Benue boundary.
The aircraft landed at the Utur Tse-Igboji community, Bar Council Ward, along Welfare Quarters to the Mopol 13 Ring Road in Makurdi, after returning from the operation.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the helicopter had provided close air support to ground troops during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of the state.
According to him, the operation disrupted the activities of the suspected criminals and supported the advance of the ground forces.
Ejodame said the pilot subsequently decided to make a precautionary landing about 10 nautical miles from the airfield while returning to base.
“Following the successful completion of the mission, the pilot, on return to base, exercised his professional discretion to execute a precautionary landing,” he said.
He added that the action was in line with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.
“The helicopter has returned to base,” Ejodame said.
The NAF said the incident did not affect its ongoing operations against criminal elements, adding that it remained committed to supporting ground forces and protecting communities through coordinated air and ground operations.
The force said the successful mission demonstrated its resolve to restrict the activities of criminal groups and support efforts to restore security in affected communities.
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