The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that one of its helicopters made a “precautionary landing” on a farmland in Benue State while returning from an operation against suspected kidnappers.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday in the Utur Tse-Igboji community, Bar Council Ward, along the Welfare Quarters–Mopol 13 Ring Road in Makurdi, the state capital.
According to the NAF, the helicopter had been deployed to provide close air support to ground forces during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State, near the Enugu-Benue boundary.
The Air Force said the operation successfully disrupted the activities of the suspected criminals and supported the advance of surface forces.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the pilot decided to make a precautionary landing while returning to base after completing the mission.
“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 NAF said.
The Air Force explained that the decision was consistent with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.
The helicopter was subsequently returned to base, according to the NAF.
The incident comes two days after an NAF aircraft crash in Ondo State, which has drawn attention to aviation safety and military flight operations.
The NAF said it remains committed to supporting ground forces, sustaining operations against criminal elements and protecting communities through coordinated air and ground operations.
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