The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has confirmed that one of its helicopters made a precautionary landing on a farmland in Makurdi, Benue State, after returning from an operation against suspected kidnappers along the Enugu-Benue boundary.

The helicopter landed on Wednesday at 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 provided close air support to ground forces during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State.

He said the operation disrupted the activities of the criminal elements and supported the advance of the surface forces.

Ejodame explained that after completing the mission, the pilot exercised professional discretion and made a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield while returning to base.

“This is in accordance with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions. The helicopter has returned to base,” he said.

The NAF said the incident did not undermine the outcome of the operation, adding that it remained committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and supporting ground forces in efforts to restore security to affected communities.

The helicopter was later confirmed to have returned safely to base.