NAF Helicopter Makes Precautionary Landing in Makurdi, Returns Safely to Base

The Nigerian Air Force has clarified that one of its helicopters made a precautionary landing on farmland in Makurdi, Benue State, after successfully supporting ground troops during an operation against 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 provided close air support to surface forces during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of the state, near the Enugu-Benue boundary.

According to the statement, the operation disrupted the activities of the suspected criminals and supported the advance of ground troops.

“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.

“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,” Ejodame said.

The Air Force said the precautionary landing was carried out in line with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.

The NAF further said the operation was part of its ongoing efforts to sustain pressure on criminal elements and provide support to ground forces working to restore security in affected communities.

“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,” Ejodame added.

He said the outcome of the operation demonstrated the Air Force’s continued resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and support efforts to restore peace and security to affected communities.

The helicopter was subsequently flown back to base.