A Nigerian Air Force helicopter made an emergency landing on a farmland in Utur Tse-Igboji community in Makurdi, Benue State, on Wednesday. The incident occurred just two days after another NAF aircraft crashed in Ondo State, killing all on board. According to eyewitnesses, the helicopter landed safely, and no casualties were reported. The NAF confirmed the incident, stating that the helicopter had completed a close air support mission for ground troops operating against suspected kidnappers.
The NAF helicopter was involved in an operation against criminal elements in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area, close to the Enugu-Benue boundary. The aerial operation helped disrupt the activities of the suspected kidnappers and provided support for troops advancing on the ground. After completing the mission, the pilot exercised his professional discretion to execute a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield. This was in accordance with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.
The incident comes just two days after another NAF aircraft, an ATR-42 with registration number NGR 931, crashed into a swamp near the naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, but no survivors were found. The Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, described the crash as a deeply painful incident for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
In the wake of the Ondo State crash, President Bola Tinubu declared a three-day period of national mourning in honour of those who lost their lives. The NAF also confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the crash was underway. The emergency landing of the helicopter in Benue State has raised concerns about the safety of NAF operations, but the incident is being investigated.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed the emergency landing in a statement. He explained that the helicopter had returned to base safely after the precautionary landing. The incident has been attributed to the pilot's exercise of professional discretion to ensure safety.
The Nigerian Air Force has been conducting operations against suspected kidnappers and other criminal elements in various parts of the country. The close air support mission in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area was part of these efforts. The NAF has been working to disrupt the activities of kidnappers and other bandits.
The emergency landing of the NAF helicopter in Benue State is being investigated, and the findings will be made public. The incident highlights the risks involved in military operations and the importance of safety procedures. The NAF has a reputation for professionalism and adherence to safety protocols.
Key points
- The Nigerian Air Force helicopter made a precautionary landing in Benue State after a close air support mission against suspected kidnappers.
- The incident occurred just two days after another NAF aircraft crashed in Ondo State, killing all on board.
- The NAF has confirmed that the helicopter returned to base safely after the precautionary landing.
