NAF helicopter makes precautionary landing on Benue farmland after anti kidnapping operation
By Chibuzo Obidike | IchieTimes
A Nigerian Air Force, NAF, helicopter has made a precautionary landing on a farmland in Benue State while returning from an operation targeting suspected kidnappers along the Enugu Benue boundary.
The incident occurred in Utur Tse Igboji community, Bar Council Ward, around the Welfare Quarters to Mopol 13 Ring Road area of Makurdi, according to eyewitness accounts.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the helicopter had successfully supported ground troops during an operation against suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State.
Ejodame said the operation disrupted the activities of the suspected criminals and supported the advance of surface forces.
He explained that following the successful completion of the mission, the pilot, while returning to base, exercised professional discretion to make a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield.
According to the NAF spokesman, the action was in line with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.
The helicopter has since returned to base, the Air Force said.
The development comes two days after another Nigerian Air Force aircraft was involved in a crash in Ondo State, an incident that has drawn renewed public attention to military aviation operations.
The NAF, however, said the Benue incident ended without affecting the success of the operation, reiterating its commitment to sustained air support for ground forces and coordinated operations against criminal elements.
The Air Force said the outcome of the mission demonstrated its resolve to deny criminal groups freedom of action and support efforts to restore security to affected communities.
