The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has stated that one of its helicopters, which landed on farmland in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, was coming back from an operation targeting suspected kidnappers along the Enugu-Benue boundary.
It was gathered that the aircraft touched down on Wednesday on farmland in the Utur Tse-Igboji community, Bar Council Ward, along the route from Welfare Quarters to Mopol 13 Ring Road in Makurdi, the state capital.
A statement released on Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, explained that the helicopter had effectively disrupted the operations of suspected kidnappers during the mission.
The statement read in parts, “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.
“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.
“The successful outcome underscores the NAF’s continued resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and support efforts to restore safety and security to affected communities.”
On Wednesday night, the helicopter had to make a forced landing at Utur Tse-Igboji, Bar Council Ward, along Welfare Quarters in Makurdi.
