Governor Hyacinth Alia has commended the Nigeria Air Force for its professionalism and continued support in tackling insecurity in Benue State.
In a statement on Saturday, October 10, 2026, by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor praised a NAF pilot who exercised professional discretion to execute a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield in Makurdi.
According to the statement, the NAF had successfully provided close air support to surface forces during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area near the Enugu Benue boundary.
The operation disrupted activities of criminal elements and supported the advance of ground forces, before the pilot carried out the precautionary landing on return to base in line with established safety procedures.
Governor Alia described the operation as a demonstration of military determination to confront criminal elements and restore peace to troubled communities, saying it offers renewed hope to residents affected by insecurity.
He praised courage, commitment and professionalism of NAF personnel in supporting ground troops and confronting threats to public safety, noting that sacrifices of officers and men are vital to securing Benue and the country.
The governor assured the NAF of Benue State continued support alongside other security agencies, stressing that sustained inter agency collaboration is essential to protecting lives and property and enabling displaced communities to return home.
He urged security formations to remain relentless until criminal groups can no longer terrorise communities, and called on residents to support operations by providing credible and timely information, adding that the fight against insecurity requires collective responsibility.
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to work with military and other authorities to achieve lasting peace across the state.
