By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to supporting Nigeria’s democratic process through strengthened collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Air Marshal Aneke gave the assurance on 10 March 2026 during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of INEC, Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, , where he also congratulated him on his appointment in October 2025.During the visit, the Chief of the Air Staff commended the Commission’s ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, inclusiveness, and operational efficiency in the country’s electoral process.
He noted that as Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria relies heavily on credible institutions such as INEC to ensure that citizens freely exercise their sovereign right to elect their leaders.
Air Marshal Aneke highlighted the longstanding partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and INEC, describing the Service as a dependable partner in supporting electoral operations across the country.
According to him, the NAF has consistently provided strategic airlift support for the movement and distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials, as well as the rapid deployment of electoral personnel, particularly to remote and difficult-to-access locations.
The Air Chief further disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force is making arrangements to make aircraft available to support INEC’s logistics requirements in future elections. He added that the Service is also positioning its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities to enhance situational awareness during elections, while remaining ready to collaborate with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to protect INEC facilities, collation centres and other critical electoral infrastructure.
In his response, INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, expressed appreciation for the visit and commended the Nigerian Air Force for its sustained support to the Commission, particularly in the areas of security and logistics. He noted that the NAF’s airlift capabilities and operational assistance have continued to play a vital role in ensuring the timely movement of electoral materials and personnel across the country, thereby contributing to the successful conduct of elections.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to sustaining strong collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to further strengthen the credibility, transparency and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
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