A Nigerian Air Force helicopter has made a precautionary landing in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, after completing a close air support operation targeting suspected kidnappers in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with the helicopter landing on farmland in the Utur, Tse-Igboji area of Makurdi.

According to the Nigerian Air Force, the pilot, while returning to base after the operation, exercised professional discretion to make a precautionary landing approximately ten nautical miles from the airfield, in line with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.

The Air Force says the operation disrupted the activities of suspected kidnappers and supported the advance of surface forces. The helicopter has since returned to base.

The NAF says it remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and supporting surface forces through coordinated air and ground operations.

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The military, Department of State Services, DSS, police and other security agencies have rescued twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members and one civilian abducted in Imo State.

The victims were reportedly abducted while travelling through the state, prompting security agencies to launch an operation to locate and rescue them.

The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at a DSS facility, according to security sources, while efforts are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction and apprehend any remaining suspects.

Top military chiefs have visited the crash site of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The Western Naval Command FOC, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha and Logistics Command AOC, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdul Suleh led the visit to inspect ongoing recovery efforts.

To locate the submerged aircraft, teams have deployed advanced underwater sonar equipment and drones across the difficult mangrove terrain.

The Nigerian Navy has also brought in specialized hydrographic divers to map the murky waters while plans are underway to use swamp buggies for excavation.

Rear Admiral Mustapha thanked the Ondo State Government, local communities and emergency agencies for their support while appealing to the public to remain calm as the operation continues.