Nigerian Air Force pledges drones, aircraft, and logistics support to INEC for safe and credible 2027 elections
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has pledged to deploy intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets, including drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also read: INEC Chair Welcomes Air Force Support for 2027 Elections
Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff, led a delegation of senior commanders to INEC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
He assured the commission of massive logistical, aerial, and intelligence support to ensure credible, safe, and well-coordinated polls.
“The world has changed. Drones and UAVs are game changers. Some of these assets can remain airborne for two to three days, monitoring areas of interest and providing intelligence that can help security agencies respond quickly,” Aneke said.
The Air Chief stressed that proper command-and-control coordination between INEC and security agencies could help detect potential threats early, preventing electoral violence.
He also highlighted the NAF’s readiness to deploy aircraft for the rapid distribution of electoral materials and personnel, even to remote regions.
“We know how large Nigeria is and the logistical challenges involved in moving materials across difficult terrain. That is why we are preparing our aircraft so that when INEC calls, we will be ready,” Aneke explained, noting that some C-130 aircraft currently undergoing maintenance abroad would return ahead of the elections to strengthen airlift capability.
Aneke also proposed joint rehearsals and simulation exercises with INEC, emphasising that pre-planned operations perform exponentially better.
“Simulation helps you detect faults early so you can fix them before the real operation begins,” he said.
Responding, INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan described the Air Force’s visit as a “major relief” for the commission.
He confirmed the 2027 elections schedule, with presidential and National Assembly polls set for January 16, and governorship and state assembly elections on February 16.
Professor Amupitan underscored the importance of logistics and security in ensuring successful elections.
He noted that the commission would establish a joint committee with the NAF to coordinate planning, including off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti (June 2026) and Osun (August 15, 2026) as crucial tests ahead of 2027.
“The failure to plan is planning to fail,” he said, praising the Air Force for its rapid response in previous elections, including the Anambra State governorship polls in November 2025 and other by-elections nationwide.
Also read: INEC Chair Welcomes Air Force Support for 2027 Elections
The collaboration between INEC and the Nigerian Air Force signals an unprecedented effort to leverage aerial surveillance, military logistics, and operational expertise to guarantee credible and safe elections in Nigeria.
