The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that one of its helicopters made an emergency landing on a farmland in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Wednesday. The helicopter, a T-129 ATAK, was returning from an operation along the Enugu-Benue boundary. According to the Air Force, the helicopter had successfully disrupted the activities of suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State.
The helicopter had provided close air support to surface forces during the operation, which targeted suspected kidnappers. The operation was successful, and the helicopter was headed back to base when the pilot exercised his professional discretion to execute a precautionary landing. The landing was made approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield, in accordance with established operational and safety procedures.
An eyewitness reported that the helicopter made an emergency landing on a farmland due to a technical fault. The eyewitness, who claimed to have rushed to the scene, said that the officers on board were supported and that they all came out alive. The incident occurred at Utur Tse-Igboji, Bar Council Ward, along Welfare Quarter, Makurdi.
The Nigerian Air Force has stated that the helicopter has returned to base and that the incident is under investigation. The Air Force 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 incident comes a few days after a NAF jet crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing all 25 people on board. The Air Force has promised to investigate the incident and has appealed for patience. The crash was a major setback for the Air Force, which has been involved in several operations against bandits and kidnappers.
The successful outcome of the Benue incident underscores the NAF's continued resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and support efforts to restore safety and security to affected communities. The Air Force has been conducting operations in several parts of the country, including Benue State, to tackle insecurity.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, stated that the NAF remains committed to its operations against criminal elements. The incident highlights the risks faced by military personnel in the line of duty and the importance of safety procedures in emergency situations.
Key points
- The Nigerian Air Force helicopter made an emergency landing in Benue State due to a technical fault.
- The helicopter had successfully disrupted the activities of suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State.
- The incident comes a few days after a NAF jet crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing all 25 people on board.
