The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says one of its helicopters makes a precautionary landing in Benue State after completing a close air support operation for ground troops. Multiple outlets report the aircraft lands on farmland near Makurdi, and that the pilot uses discretion to land during the return journey.

According to the NAF statements quoted by several reporters, the operation targets suspected kidnappers and aims to disrupt criminal activity while supporting advancing ground forces. Eyewitness accounts described the helicopter touching down in the Utur and Tse-Igboji area (also described as Utur Tse-Igboji) around Wednesday. The NAF says the landing follows established operational and safety procedures after combat missions and that the helicopter subsequently returns to base.

Some outlets add context by noting the incident follows shortly after a separate fatal NAF aircraft crash in Ondo State, where officials reported no survivors. Coverage also emphasizes reported tensions and public attention in the wake of the earlier crash while reiterating that the Benue helicopter landing is precautionary and linked to the completed mission.