Amanze Chinonye
A Nigerian Air Force helicopter made a precautionary landing in Benue State on Wednesday after completing an operation against suspected kidnappers, the Air Force said, clarifying earlier reports that the aircraft had made an emergency landing in Makurdi, Prime Business Africa reports.
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The helicopter provided close air support to ground forces during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State, near the border with Enugu State, NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said in a statement.
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Ejodame said the operation disrupted the activities of the suspected kidnappers and supported the advance of ground troops.
After completing the mission, the pilot made a precautionary landing about 10 nautical miles from the airfield while returning to base, the Air Force said.
The NAF said the landing was carried out in line with established operational and safety procedures following the mission.
“The helicopter has returned to base,” Ejodame said, without disclosing the type of helicopter or giving details of any mechanical problem.
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Earlier reports, citing an eyewitness identified as Stephen Ikpam, said a NAF helicopter had landed on farmland in the Utur Tse-Igboji area of Makurdi. Ikpam said residents rushed to the scene and that all personnel aboard the aircraft emerged safely.
The incident came two days after a NAF ATR-42 aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing all 25 people aboard. The aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers and was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos, according to the Air Force.
The NAF said it would continue to provide close air support to ground forces and sustain operations against criminal elements in the region.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
