The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has provided an explanation following reports of a military helicopter landing on a farm in Benue State, saying the aircraft was involved in an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the area.
According to the NAF, the incident occurred during a close air support mission conducted in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State, close to the Enugu–Benue boundary. The operation was aimed at disrupting the activities of suspected criminal elements operating in the area and supporting troops conducting operations on the ground.
The Nigerian Air Force said its aircraft provided close air support to surface forces during the operation, helping troops advance against the suspected kidnappers.
The military said the operation successfully disrupted the activities of the criminal group and contributed to the progress of the ground forces. The development comes amid continued security operations across parts of Benue State and neighbouring areas, where authorities have been working to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Reports of a military helicopter landing on a farm had attracted public attention, with videos and accounts circulating about the incident. The NAF’s statement now places the helicopter’s presence in the area within the context of an ongoing military operation against suspected kidnappers.
The Air Force has emphasized that the aircraft was carrying out an operational mission in support of troops on the ground. The operation highlights the increasing use of coordinated air and ground operations by Nigerian security forces as they respond to kidnapping and other security threats in vulnerable communities.
The NAF says the operation disrupted the suspected kidnappers’ activities and supported the advance of surface forces in the Ogbadigbo area.
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