By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force has reaffirmed its readiness to provide logistics, security and aerial surveillance support to the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure the successful conduct of upcoming elections across the country.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the electoral body in Abuja, where he led a delegation of senior Air Force officers to strengthen collaboration with the Commission ahead of future electoral exercises.
Aneke said the successful conduct of elections is closely tied to effective logistics and security arrangements, noting that the Nigerian Air Force has consistently supported electoral operations through rapid airlift of personnel and distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials to difficult terrains nationwide.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains willing, able and ready to continue providing such support whenever required,” he said, adding that the Service is already working to ensure that its heavy and medium-lift aircraft are fully serviceable ahead of future elections.
According to him, some aircraft currently undergoing maintenance abroad are expected to return to service before the elections, while additional smaller aircraft will also be deployed for liaison and logistical support where necessary.
Beyond logistics, the Air Chief disclosed that the NAF is strengthening its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to support election security. He noted that drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles could be deployed to monitor areas of interest during elections and provide early warning of potential threats.
“The use of drones and UAVs has become a game changer. These assets can remain airborne for extended periods and provide real-time information that can assist security agencies in responding promptly to emerging situations,” Aneke explained.
He also stressed the importance of planning and simulation exercises before major operations, urging the electoral commission to work closely with the Air Force to conduct preparatory drills that would help identify possible challenges ahead of election day.
According to him, rehearsals and simulation exercises are critical in improving operational efficiency and ensuring smoother execution of large-scale national operations such as elections.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, welcomed the Air Chief and his delegation, describing the visit as a strong demonstration of the military’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
Amupitan commended the Nigerian Air Force for its continued logistical and security support to the Commission during previous elections, including the Anambra State governorship election in November 2025 and the recent election in the Federal Capital Territory.
He noted that the Commission has already released the timetable for the 2027 general elections, with the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and state assembly elections will follow on February 16, 2027.
The INEC chairman also highlighted the importance of logistics in election management, describing it as a decisive factor in ensuring timely deployment of materials and personnel across the country.
Both institutions expressed optimism that deeper collaboration between the electoral body and the Nigerian Air Force would further strengthen the integrity, security and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral process.
