NAF helicopter makes precautionary landing in Makurdi after Benue operation

A Nigerian Air Force helicopter made a precautionary landing in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, after completing a close air support operation against suspected kidnappers in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, when the helicopter landed on farmland around Utur, Tse-Igboji area of Makurdi.

The Nigerian Air Force said the pilot made the precautionary landing while returning to base from the operation, about 10 nautical miles from the airfield.

According to the NAF, the decision was made as a professional precaution and in line with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.

The Air Force said the operation disrupted the activities of suspected kidnappers and supported the advance of surface forces.

It said the helicopter has since returned safely to base.

Military aircraft crash

The incident occurred two days after a Nigerian military aircraft crashed in Ondo State, amidst concerns over military aviation operations.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that 32 people were on board the military aircraft that crashed in Ondo State on Monday. The Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, said the aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.

The Nigerian Air Force had said the aircraft was travelling from Benin to Lagos on a routine mission before it crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

Mr Keyamo said search and rescue operations were ongoing following the crash.

Unlike the Ondo incident, the NAF said Wednesday’s helicopter landing in Makurdi was precautionary and that the aircraft subsequently returned to base.

The Air Force said it remained committed to supporting surface forces through coordinated air and ground operations against criminal elements.