The Nigerian Air Force says one of its helicopters made a precautionary landing on a farm in Benue after providing close air support during an operation against suspected kidnappers.

An air force chopper crashed on Monday.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ehimen Ejodame, the force spokesman, said the operation was conducted in the Ogbadigbo area, near the Enugu–Benue boundary.

He said the operation disrupted the activities of the criminal elements and supported the advance of surface forces.

“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. This is in accordance with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions. The helicopter has returned to base,” Mr Ejodame said.

He said the force remained committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements, providing close air support to ground forces, and protecting communities through coordinated air and ground operations.