A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter made a precautionary landing on a farmland in Makurdi, Benue State, on Wednesday night after returning from an operation against suspected kidnappers.
The aircraft landed at Utur Tse-Igboji community, Bar Council Ward, along Welfare Quarters to Mopol 13 Ring Road in the state capital.
The NAF, however, said there was no cause for alarm, explaining that the helicopter had successfully completed its mission before the pilot opted for a precautionary landing while returning to base.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to him, the helicopter had provided close air support to ground forces during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State, close to the Enugu-Benue boundary.
Ejodame said the operation disrupted the activities of the suspected kidnappers and assisted the advance of the ground forces.
He explained that after the mission, the pilot exercised his professional discretion to land the helicopter 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,” he said.
The NAF spokesperson said the successful operation reflected the force’s continued efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of action and protect communities through coordinated air and ground operations.
He added that the force would continue to provide close air support to surface troops and sustain operations against criminal elements threatening the safety of communities in the affected areas.
The helicopter's landing on the farmland on Wednesday night had attracted attention in the area before the NAF clarified the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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