Another Nigerian military helicopter makes emergency landing days after deadly crash

Another Nigerian military helicopter has made an emergency landing in Benue State, just days after a separate military aircraft crash in Ondo State killed 35 people.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said the helicopter made what it described as a “precautionary landing” on a farmland in Makurdi while returning from an operation targeting suspected kidnappers.

The NAF said the helicopter had been deployed to provide close air support to ground forces during an operation against suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue, near the Enugu-Benue boundary.

Director of Public Relations and Information at the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the operation successfully disrupted the activities of the suspected kidnappers and supported the advance of ground forces.

He said that after completing the mission, the pilot exercised his professional discretion to make 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,” he said.

The NAF did not report any casualties or injuries in connection with the latest incident.

The landing comes two days after a Nigerian military aircraft crashed in Ondo State, killing 35 people and raising renewed concerns over aviation safety within the country’s security services.

Despite the incident, the NAF said its operations against criminal groups would continue, stressing its commitment to providing air support to ground forces and protecting communities.

The force said the successful outcome of the Benue operation demonstrated its continued resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and support efforts to restore security in affected communities.