Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has commended Nigerian Air Force, NAF, for professionalism after one of its pilots made precautionary landing about 10 nautical miles from airfield in Makurdi.
Development occurred after Air Force provided air support to ground troops during operation targeting suspected kidnappers in Ogbadigbo area, near Enugu-Benue boundary.
According to statement by governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, on Saturday, operation disrupted activities of suspected criminals and supported advance of ground forces.
Statement said pilot made precautionary landing while returning to base, in line with established operational and safety procedures.
“Governor Hyacinth Alia commends the Nigeria Air Force for its professionalism, as was demonstrated by one of their pilots, who exercised his professional discretion to execute a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield in Makurdi,” statement read.
Governor also praised Air Force for its continued efforts to tackle insecurity in state, describing operation as demonstration of military’s resolve to confront criminal groups and restore peace to troubled communities.
Alia said development offered renewed hope to residents affected by insecurity and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with security agencies to address challenges facing state.
He acknowledged risks faced by military personnel, praising their courage, commitment and professionalism in supporting ground troops and protecting public safety, and assured NAF and other security agencies of state government’s continued support.
Alia emphasised that sustained collaboration among security agencies was essential to protecting lives and property and enabling displaced residents to return to their communities without fear.
He urged security formations to remain relentless until criminal groups could no longer terrorise communities, and called on residents to support security operations by providing credible and timely information to authorities.
