NAF Helicopter Makes ‘Precautionary Landing’ on Farmland in Benue — Two Days after Ondo Crash

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says one of its helicopters made a “precautionary landing” in Benue after providing close air support to ground troops during an operation in Benue state.

Eyewitnesses said the aircraft touched down on a farmland in Utur Tse-Igboji community of Makurdi.

Ehimen Ejodame, NAF director of public relations and information, said in a statement on Wednesday that the military operation targeted suspected kidnappers in Ogbadigbo LGA of the state, near the Enugu-Benue boundary.

Ejodame said the operation disrupted the activities of the criminal elements and supported the advance of the ground forces.

“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,” the statement reads.

“This is in accordance with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.

“The helicopter has returned to base.”

The incident occurred two days after a NAF aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje LGA of Ondo state, with 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.

The aircraft, an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, plunged into a swamp opposite the naval base, in the early hours of Monday.

Ejodame, in a statement on Tuesday, said Sunday Aneke, chief of air staff (CAS), described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the air force and nation.

He added that no survivors have been found.

President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning in the wake of the tragedy.