A Nigerian Air Force helicopter has made a precautionary landing in Benue State following an operation against suspected kidnappers, with all personnel reportedly surviving the incident.
The landing occurred in Ogbadigbo, a border area between Benue and Enugu states, at Utur Tse-Igboji in Bar Council Ward, along the Welfare Quarters–Mopol 13 Ring Road.
The incident came shortly after a fatal Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of 32 people. The two incidents have renewed attention on military aviation safety and operational procedures.
According to eyewitness accounts, the helicopter’s pilot carried out the precautionary landing, prompting residents to approach the scene to assist those on board. All occupants reportedly exited the aircraft safely.
The Nigerian Air Force later provided details of the mission through its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
The Service said the helicopter had completed a close air support mission for ground troops operating against suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area near the Enugu–Benue boundary.
According to the statement, the operation disrupted the activities of the suspected criminals and supported the movement of ground forces.
Ejodame explained that the pilot decided to land as a precaution while returning to base, following the successful completion of the mission.
“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. This is in accordance with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions. The helicopter has returned to base,” he said.
The Air Force did not disclose the specific technical or operational circumstances that led to the landing. However, it stated that the action was consistent with established safety procedures and confirmed that the helicopter had subsequently returned to base.
The incident occurred within days of discussions between Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on strengthening cooperation between civil and military aviation authorities.
The two officials had agreed to pursue a joint framework covering aviation safety, airworthiness, certification, training and capacity building.
While the Air Force said its operation against suspected kidnappers had supported ground troops, further details about the precautionary landing were not provided in the statement.
The development highlights the operational demands placed on military aircraft during security missions, as authorities continue to face questions about aviation safety following the recent fatal crash in Ondo State.
