The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully airlifted sensitive electoral materials for the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election and a series of senatorial and federal constituency by-elections scheduled for June 20, reaffirming its support for Nigeria’s democratic process through Aid to Civil Authority operations.
The airlift mission, conducted between June 15 and 16, followed a request by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the secure and timely transportation of election materials from Abuja to designated locations across the country.
The operation covered preparations for the Ekiti governorship election, senatorial by-elections in Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State, Nasarawa North Senatorial District of Nasarawa State, and Rivers South East Senatorial District of Rivers State. It also supported federal constituency by-elections in the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of Kano State and the Zuru/Shanga Federal Constituency of Kebbi State.
Utilising its strategic airlift capabilities, the NAF transported the sensitive materials from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to designated airports in Enugu, Rivers and Kano states, ensuring their delivery within the timelines set by INEC ahead of the elections.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the personnel involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication. He noted that the successful mission reflected the Air Force’s commitment to supporting democratic institutions and national development.
Aneke also reaffirmed the NAF’s readiness to continue providing timely and effective assistance to civil authorities in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, while maintaining operational readiness to defend the nation.
According to the Air Force, the mission highlights its longstanding partnership with INEC in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. The timely delivery of sensitive electoral materials, it noted, remains crucial to ensuring credible elections and strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions.
The successful operation further underscored the versatility of NAF air power in advancing key national objectives while sustaining ongoing security operations across the country. The Air Force said the mission reinforces its role as a dependable partner in promoting democratic governance, national stability and development.
