A Nigerian Air Force helicopter made a precautionary landing on farmland in Benue State after completing a close-air-support mission against suspected kidnappers, the military said.
The aircraft landed in the Utur Tse-Igboji community near Makurdi, where witnesses reported seeing the helicopter touch down.
The operation was conducted in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area, near the boundary between Benue and Enugu states, according to the Air Force.
In a statement, Air Force spokesman Ehimen Ejodame said the mission disrupted the activities of suspected kidnappers and supported ground troops advancing against them.
The helicopter did not experience an emergency, Ejodame said.
After completing the operation, the pilot decided to land roughly 10 nautical miles from the airfield as a safety precaution while returning to base.
“Following the successful completion of the mission, the pilot, on return to base, exercised his professional discretion to execute a precautionary landing,” Ejodame said.
He added that the landing was consistent with established operational and safety procedures for aircraft returning from combat missions.
The helicopter has since returned to base, the Air Force said.
