Air Force Moves Early To Secure 2027 Polls, Offers Airlift, Drone Surveillance Support To INEC
With logistics and security often determining the credibility of elections in Nigeria, the Nigerian Air Force has stepped forward early to strengthen preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, has pledged that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will provide airlift, surveillance and logistics support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure smooth and secure conduct of the polls.
Aneke made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, where both institutions discussed strategies to deepen collaboration ahead of the elections.
According to the Air Chief, the NAF remains “willing, able and ready” to deploy its aircraft to transport electoral materials and personnel across the country, particularly to remote areas where difficult terrain often delays distribution.
He disclosed that the Air Force has already begun maintenance of its heavy and medium airlift aircraft to ensure they are fully operational when required.
“We are working ahead to ensure that all our heavy haulage and medium-level aircraft undergo periodic maintenance so that by the time you need us, they will be ready,” Aneke said.
Beyond transportation, the Air Chief revealed that the NAF is also preparing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to support election security.
He explained that drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles would be deployed to monitor sensitive locations and help detect threats early.
“The use of drones and UAVs has become a game-changer.
These assets can remain airborne for two to three days to monitor areas of interest and assist security agencies in responding quickly to threats,” he added.
Aneke also stressed the need for early planning and simulation exercises between security agencies and INEC, noting that rehearsals before major elections significantly improve operational efficiency.
He further assured that the Air Force would continue to work with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to safeguard electoral infrastructure such as INEC offices, collation centres and logistics hubs.
Responding, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan described the Air Force’s support as reassuring as the Commission prepares for the next electoral cycle.
He announced that under the revised timetable issued in line with the Electoral Act 2026, presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for February 16, 2027.
Amupitan emphasised that logistics remains central to credible elections, adding that the operational expertise of the Air Force would significantly strengthen the electoral process.
“An election can only be as good as its logistics,” he noted.
He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for its support during the Anambra governorship election and other by-elections, which he said contributed to the smooth conduct of those polls.
The INEC chairman further revealed that the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti State in June and Osun State on August 15 would serve as key tests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Both institutions agreed to establish a joint working team to coordinate planning, logistics and security arrangements for the upcoming electoral activities nationwide.
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