Isaac Samuel
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has pledged full support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including airlift of election materials and deployment of drone surveillance, to ensure a smooth and secure conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff, made the commitment on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to INEC’s headquarters in Abuja.
He said the Air Force has consistently played a vital role in delivering sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials across the country and is prepared to continue doing so.
He said: “The relationship between the Nigerian Air Force and INEC has long been anchored on our shared commitment to national stability, professionalism, and the rule of law. The Nigerian Air Force considers its partnership with the Commission as an important contribution to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
“This engagement therefore provides an opportunity to further deepen the existing collaboration between both institutions and reaffirm our collective resolve to support the successful conduct of elections across the country.
“The successful conduct of elections is closely tied to effective security arrangements and efficient logistics management. Over the years, the Nigerian Air Force has remained a dependable partner to INEC, particularly in providing security support as well as rapid airlift for the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials across the country.
“I wish to assure you that the Nigerian Air Force remains willing, able, and ready to continue providing such support whenever required. At present, some of our C-130 aircraft are undergoing scheduled maintenance outside the country as part of efforts to sustain our strategic airlift capability. Nevertheless, the Service is making arrangements to deploy other available aircraft that can support the timely movement of electoral materials and personnel.
Highlighting the NAF’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, the Air Chief said drones would be deployed to enhance situational awareness, detect potential security threats, and provide timely information during the electoral period.
He added that the Air Force would work closely with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to protect INEC facilities, collation centres, and logistics hubs.
“The professionalism and apolitical stance of the Air Force not only ensures physical transport of materials but also provides a psychological assurance of election integrity. We are ready to deploy our capabilities wherever and whenever needed to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy,” Aneke added.
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan commended the Air Force for its support in past elections, citing successful operations in Anambra, the FCT, and by-elections in Kano and Rivers states.
He stressed that the 2027 presidential, National Assembly, and governorship elections would require meticulous planning, robust logistics, and close collaboration.
Amupitan said a joint planning team would be established to coordinate operations, especially to reach hard-to-access areas, adding, “Failure to plan is planning to fail.
He noted that NAF’s rapid response during short-notice elections had previously minimized logistical losses and contributed to smooth polling across the country.
