Police, Air Force Strengthen Joint Security Operations Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Wednesday received the Chief of the Air Staff, Nigerian Air Force, Air Marshal S.K. Aneke, on a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two security agencies.

The meeting focused on improving joint efforts to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, insurgency and other violent crimes.

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the Chief of the Air Staff commended the longstanding professional relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Air Force.

Aneke also acknowledged the support provided by the NPF Air Wing to the Nigerian Air Force and emphasised the need for sustained collaboration in joint operations, intelligence sharing and enhanced air support for police operations.

“Key areas discussed included aerial surveillance and reconnaissance, tactical deployment, medical evacuation, joint training and improved operational coordination,” the statement said.

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The IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to deepening its partnership with the Nigerian Air Force through joint training, capacity building, intelligence-led operations and sustained operational support.

Disu also stressed the importance of personnel welfare, effective command and control, as well as coordinated security planning, particularly ahead of major national events and the 2027 general elections.

He further called for enhanced protection of critical national infrastructure, improved logistics and response capabilities, and regular reviews of joint operational engagements to improve their effectiveness.

The meeting was attended by senior officers from the Nigerian Air Force, including the Chief of Training, Air Vice Marshal A.Y. Dari; Chief of Operations, Air Vice Marshal P.N. Amadi; Chief of Air Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal N.N. Ananaba; Air Provost Marshal, Air Vice Marshal J.I. Ukeh; Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal A.A. Martins; and Director of Operations, Air Vice Marshal A.O. Bamidele.

Others were the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore E.A. Ejodame; Principal Air Staff Officer to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Commodore H.I. Eze; and Principal Staff Officer Coordination to the Chief of the Air Staff, Group Captain F.O. Olanrewaju.

The Nigeria Police Force said it remained committed to strengthening strategic partnerships with sister security agencies to enhance inter-agency coordination and develop a more integrated security response.

It added that the collaboration was aimed at improving the protection of lives, property and critical national assets across the country.