The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said a helicopter that made a precautionary landing on a farmland in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, was returning from an operation against suspected kidnappers along the Enugu-Benue boundary.
The helicopter landed on Wednesday night at a farmland in Utur Tse-Igboji community, Bar Council Ward, along the Welfare Quarters to Mopol 13 Ring Road in Makurdi.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft had successfully disrupted the activities of suspected kidnappers during the operation.
“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 NAF said it remained committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements, providing close air support to ground forces and protecting communities through coordinated air and ground operations.
It added that the successful operation demonstrated its resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and support efforts to restore security to affected communities.