By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS operating around Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State came under a close air support operation before the military helicopter involved made a precautionary landing on a farmland in Makurdi.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter completed a close air support mission against suspected kidnappers.
The helicopter landed on a farmland in Utur Tse-Igboji community in Makurdi, according to eyewitnesses, after supporting ground forces during the operation near the Enugu Benue boundary.
Ehimen Ejodame, NAF director of public relations and information, said the operation disrupted the activities of the suspected kidnappers and supported the advance of the surface forces.
He said the pilot, while returning to base after the mission, exercised professional discretion to make a precautionary landing about 10 nautical miles from the airfield.
“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,” Ejodame said.
“This is in accordance with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.
“The helicopter has returned to base.”
The incident came two days after a NAF aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, killing personnel on board.
The ATR-42 aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, plunged into a swamp opposite the naval base in the early hours of Monday. It was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.
Ejodame said on Tuesday that Sunday Aneke, chief of air staff, described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the air force and the nation. He also said no survivors had been found.
President Bola Tinubu subsequently declared three days of national mourning following the tragedy.
The NAF said the successful Benue operation demonstrated its continued resolve to sustain pressure on criminal elements, provide close air support to surface forces and support efforts to restore safety and security in affected communities.
—
Share Your Story with us!
Advertise with us!
Publicity for a product, service, or event!
Contact: WhatsApp Only: +2348039560647
Email: jkmediapress@gmail.com
