NAF helicopter makes ‘precautionary landing’ in Benue

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reported that one of its helicopters performed a precautionary landing in a farmland near Makurdi, Benue State, on Wednesday. The aircraft had been deployed to the Ogbadigbo area, close to the Enugu-Benue border, to provide close air support to ground troops combating suspected kidnappers. The NAF confirmed the incident occurred after the mission concluded successfully, with the pilot choosing to land the helicopter approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield, adhering to established safety protocols following combat missions.

This event follows a separate crash involving an NAF aircraft in Ondo State two days prior, resulting in the loss of 25 passengers and seven crew members. The NAF emphasized its ongoing commitment to combating criminal activities, providing air support to ground forces, and enhancing security in affected regions.