A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter on Wednesday made an emergency landing on farmland in Makurdi, Benue State, barely two days after a military aircraft crash in Ondo State claimed the lives of 25 personnel.
The latest incident occurred at Utur Tse-Igboji, Bar Council Ward, along the Welfare Quarters–Mopol 13 Ring Road in Makurdi.
According to eyewitnesses, the helicopter developed a technical problem while operating in the area, forcing its crew to make an emergency landing on the farmland.
The incident reportedly caused concern among residents in the community, who quickly moved towards the location after noticing the aircraft had landed unexpectedly.
Residents subsequently assisted the officers on board as they exited the helicopter.
All personnel on board were reportedly able to come out safely, with no immediate report of fatalities or serious injuries.
The incident comes just two days after tragedy struck the Nigerian Air Force when an aircraft crashed in Ondo State, killing 25 personnel.
The Ondo crash had heightened public attention on the safety of military aviation operations, making Wednesday’s emergency landing particularly significant.
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Unlike the Ondo incident, however, the Benue occurrence did not result in a reported loss of life, as the crew successfully brought the helicopter down and evacuated safely.
Details surrounding the nature of the technical fault, the number of personnel aboard the helicopter and the aircraft’s mission were not immediately available.
It was also unclear as of the time of filing whether the helicopter sustained significant damage during the emergency landing.
The Nigerian Air Force is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the cause of the reported technical malfunction.
The development underscores the operational challenges facing military aviation, particularly the importance of aircraft maintenance, technical inspections and rapid emergency-response procedures in preventing accidents and protecting personnel.
Further details are expected from the Nigerian Air Force as investigations into the incident continue.