JUST IN: Nigerian Air Force airlifts sensitive materials for Ekiti governorship election

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has airlifted sensitive electoral materials for the Ekiti governorship election and a series of senatorial and federal constituency by-elections scheduled for June 20.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the operation was conducted between June 15 and 16 at the request of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ejodame said the operation was aimed at facilitating the secure and timely movement of sensitive electoral materials from Abuja to designated locations across the country.

He said the exercise covered preparations for the Ekiti governorship election, senatorial by-elections in Enugu north, Nasarawa north and Rivers south-east senatorial districts, as well as federal constituency by-elections in Dawakin Kudu/Warawa federal constituency in Kano and Zuru/Shanga federal constituency in Kebbi.

The NAF spokesperson said the Air Force deployed its strategic airlift capabilities to transport the materials from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to designated airports in Enugu, Rivers and Kano states.

He said the materials were delivered to INEC within the stipulated timeline ahead of the elections.

According to the statement, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended NAF personnel involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication.

Aneke said the successful mission reflected the air force’s commitment to supporting democratic institutions and national development.

He also reaffirmed the NAF’s readiness to continue providing support to civil authorities while maintaining operational readiness to defend the country.

“The successful completion of the mission further highlights the NAF’s critical role in supporting national institutions and strengthening democratic processes,” the statement reads.

The statement noted that aid to civil authority operations is one of the constitutional responsibilities of the armed forces and enables the NAF to contribute to governance, stability and national development.

The NAF said the mission also demonstrated the versatility of its air power in advancing national objectives while sustaining ongoing security operations across multiple theatres.