A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter carried out a precautionary landing on farmland in Benue State following a combat mission targeting suspected kidnappers.
The aircraft had just provided close air support to ground troops operating in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area, along the Benue-Enugu boundary.
While returning to base, the pilot opted to land roughly 10 nautical miles short of the airfield as a standard safety measure.
Local residents reported that the helicopter set down on farmland within the Utur Tse-Igboji community in Makurdi.
Confirming the incident, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, stated that the landing was a precautionary decision executed strictly to ensure safety following the operation.
“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,” Ejodame said.
“This is in accordance with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.”
The Air Force said the helicopter later returned safely to base.
According to NAF, the operation targeted suspected kidnappers in Ogbadigbo and helped disrupt their activities while supporting the advance of troops on the ground.
The unusual landing comes just days after the Nigerian Air Force suffered a deadly aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
PerSecondNews reported that the ATR-42 aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, had crashed into a swamp opposite a naval base on Monday.
No survivors were found following the crash.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the Ondo tragedy as a deeply painful moment for the Air Force and the country.
President Bola Tinubu subsequently declared three days of national mourning for the victims and ordered an investigation into the accident.
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