Tragedy Averted: NAF Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing in Benue
NAF helicopter made emergency landing in a farm in Benue State
By Correspondent
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter has made a precautionary landing on farmland in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, days after a military aircraft crash in Ondo State claimed the lives of 25 personnel.
The helicopter landed at Utur Tse-Igboji community, Bar Council Ward, along the Welfare Quarters–Mopol 13 Ring Road, on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
The Nigerian Air Force said the helicopter was returning from an operation against suspected kidnappers in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State, near the Enugu–Benue boundary.
According to the NAF, the aircraft had successfully provided close air support to ground troops, disrupting the activities of suspected kidnappers and supporting the advance of security forces.
The pilot subsequently made a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield in accordance with established operational and safety procedures.
The Air Force confirmed that the helicopter had since returned safely to base.
The incident comes barely two days after an NAF ATR-42 aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing 25 personnel and raising fresh concerns about military aviation safety.
Unlike the Ondo tragedy, the Benue incident ended without any reported loss of life.
Further details about the circumstances surrounding the landing have not been disclosed.
