Nigerian Air Force Helicopter Lands in Makurdi, Returns to Base

A Nigerian Air Force helicopter made a precautionary landing on farmland in Makurdi, Benue State, while returning from an operation against suspected kidnappers, the Air Force said. The aircraft later returned safely to base, and no cause for the landing was specified in the statement. The landing took place on Wednesday in the Utur TseIgboji area, about 10 nautical miles from the airfield, according to the Air Force. Its spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the pilot made the landing after completing a mission and described the decision as a professional precaution consistent with operational and safety procedures following combat missions. The Air Force said the helicopter had provided close air support to ground forces during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area. It said the operation disrupted the suspects’ activities and supported the advance of ground forces. Those descriptions of the mission and its effects came from the Air Force; the reports provide no independent assessment of the operation’s outcome.