The high command of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said that one of its combat helicopters made a precautionary landing on Wednesday after conducting a successful close air support mission against suspected bandits in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State, near the Enugu–Benue boundary.
According to a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja by the spokesperson of the service, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the helicopter supported ground troops during an operation against criminal elements, successfully disrupted their activities, and enabled the advance of surface forces.
It pointed out, however, that shortly after completing the mission and while returning to base, the pilot exercised professional discretion and made a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield.
The statement clarified that the precautionary landing followed established operational and safety procedures for combat missions.
The statement said, “the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has 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 boundary. “The operation disrupted the activities of the criminal elements and supported the advance of surface 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.
“This is in accordance with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions. The helicopter has returned to base.”
The statement further explained that the air operation was part of the NAF’s sustained efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of action while providing support to ground troops conducting operations against kidnappers and other armed groups.
It added that the successful close air support mission demonstrated the service’s commitment to coordinated air and ground operations aimed at protecting vulnerable communities.
It reaffirmed that the Nigerian Air Force remained committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements, providing close air support to surface forces, and protecting communities through coordinated air and ground operations.
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