NAF helicopter makes precautionary landing in Benue after anti-kidnapping operation
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that one of its helicopters made a precautionary landing in Makurdi, Benue State, after completing an operation against suspected kidnappers.
The helicopter landed on farmland at Utur Tse-Igboji community in Bar Council Ward on Wednesday.
The location is along the Welfare Quarters–Mopol 13 Ring Road in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
According to the NAF, the helicopter was returning from an operation in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State when the pilot decided to make the precautionary landing.
NAF helicopter lands safely in Benue
The NAF said the aircraft had successfully supported ground troops during the operation before returning to base.
In a statement, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, explained that the helicopter provided close air support to troops operating against suspected kidnappers.
The operation took place around the Ogbadigbo area, close to the Enugu-Benue boundary.
According to the NAF, the mission disrupted the activities of criminal elements and helped ground forces advance their operation.
After completing the mission, the pilot made the precautionary landing about 10 nautical miles from the airfield.
The NAF stressed that the decision was part of established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.
Helicopter returned to base
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that the helicopter later returned safely to base.
The development therefore did not involve a crash, according to the military’s statement.
The NAF also said there was no indication in its statement that the helicopter suffered a major incident during the operation.
Instead, the pilot reportedly exercised professional discretion by landing the aircraft temporarily after completing the mission.
This distinction is important because reports of military aircraft landing away from their bases can sometimes create confusion over whether a crash or emergency has occurred.
NAF operation targeted suspected kidnappers
The helicopter mission formed part of ongoing military operations against criminal groups in Benue State.
According to the NAF, the aircraft provided close air support to surface forces operating in the Ogbadigbo area.
The operation was aimed at disrupting suspected kidnappers and supporting troops on the ground.
The NAF said such air operations remain important in helping ground forces respond to security threats in difficult locations.
NAF pledges continued support for ground troops
The Air Force said it would continue working with ground forces to improve security across affected communities.
Ejodame said the NAF remained committed to maintaining pressure on criminal elements.
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He added that the service would continue providing close air support to surface forces.
The NAF also said coordinated air and ground operations would remain part of efforts to protect communities and restore security.
What happened to the NAF helicopter?
The NAF’s account indicates that the helicopter made a precautionary landing rather than crashing.
The aircraft had completed its mission before the pilot landed approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield.
It later returned to base.
The incident occurred during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State.
The NAF has not indicated in the statement that the aircraft was lost or that the landing resulted in casualties.
Security operations continue in Benue
The incident comes as security agencies continue operations against criminal groups in parts of Benue State.
The NAF’s latest statement highlights the role of air support in military operations involving ground troops.
By combining aerial surveillance and close air support with ground operations, security forces can respond to threats across difficult terrain.
For residents of affected communities, the continued operations are aimed at reducing the activities of kidnappers and other criminal groups.
For now, the NAF has confirmed that the helicopter involved in Wednesday’s incident returned safely to base after the precautionary landing.
