NAF helicopter makes ‘precautionary landing’ on farmland in Benue two days after Ondo crash

The Nigerian Air Force has said that one of its helicopters made a “precautionary landing” on a farmland in Benue State while returning from an operation against suspected kidnappers along the Enugu-Benue boundary.

Eyewitnesses said the helicopter landed on a farmland in Utur Tse-Igboji community, Bar Council Ward along Welfare Quarters to Mopol 13 Ring Road in Makurdi, the state capital.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the helicopter had successfully disrupted the activities of suspected kidnappers during the operation.

“The helicopter had successfully provided close air support to surface forces during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State, near the Enugu-Benue boundary. The operation disrupted the activities of the criminal elements and supported the advance of surface forces,” the statement read.

"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 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 successful outcome underscores the NAF’s continued resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and support efforts to restore safety and security to affected communities.”