Nigerian Air Force Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing In Benue [PHOTOS]

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter successfully executed a precautionary emergency landing on open farmland in Benue State on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, averting what could have been another major military aviation disaster.

The incident occurred in the Utur Tse-Igboji area, along the Welfare Quarters–Mopol 13 Ring Road in Makurdi, near the Enugu–Benue boundary in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area, after the aircraft completed a combat mission.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the flight crew skilfully maneuver the helicopter away from residential structures and guide it onto an open farmland.

All crew members on board survived without injuries, and the aircraft was safely secured.

Confirming the incident, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, explained that the helicopter was providing close air support to ground troops in an operation targeting suspected kidnappers before making the precautionary landing while returning to base.

Air Commodore Ejodame stated:“The operation disrupted the activities of the criminal elements and supported the advance of surface forces.”

“The aircraft successfully completed its mission before the pilot made a precautionary landing about 10 nautical miles from the airfield while returning to base.”

“The successful outcome underscores the NAF’s continued resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and support efforts to restore safety and security to affected communities.”

The operational mishap comes just two days after the tragic loss of a NAF ATR-42 surveillance aircraft (NAF 931) in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which claimed 25 lives on October 5, 2026.

Military technicians and security personnel have since secured the Benue landing site to examine the aircraft and determine the precise technical fault behind the precautionary landing.

See photos below: