Nigerian Air Force conducts strikes against kidnappers in Benue

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted air operations to disrupt kidnappers in Benue State, specifically targeting the Ogbadigbo area near the Enugu–Benue boundary. The mission provided close air support to ground troops to deny criminal elements freedom of action and support the advance of surface forces.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, confirmed the successful execution of the mission. Following the combat operation, the pilot performed a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield as part of standard safety procedures before the helicopter returned safely to base.

These operations are part of a broader military strategy to use aerial surveillance and strike capabilities to target criminal hideouts in dense forest areas. The ongoing insecurity in Benue, often called the ‘Food Basket of the Nation’, has significant economic implications, as kidnapping in rural farming communities threatens local food security and disrupts the movement of goods.