NAF recorded another accident when a helicopter crashed in Benue

A Nigerian Air Force helicopter crashed on farmland in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.

This comes after a NAF plane recently crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, leaving about 25 passengers and crew dead.
Confirming the latest incident, the Nigerian Air Force said the helicopter was returning from an operation against suspected kidnappers along the Enugu-Benue border.

It was learned that the plane, on Wednesday, landed at agricultural land in Utur Tse-Igboji community, Bar Council Ward along the Welfare Area to Mopol Ring Road 13 in Makurdi, the state capital.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the helicopter successfully disrupted the activities of the suspected kidnappers during the operation.

The statement read in part, “The helicopter successfully provided close air support to surface forces during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of ​​Benue State, near the Enugu-Benue border. The operation disrupted the activities of criminal elements and supported the advance of surface forces.

“After the successful completion of the mission, the pilot, upon returning to base, used his professional discretion to make a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield.

“This is in accordance with operational and safety procedures established after a combat mission. The helicopter has returned to base.

“The NAF remains committed to maintaining pressure on criminal elements, providing close air support to surface forces and protecting the public through coordinated air and ground operations.”