The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully executed an airlift of sensitive electoral materials for the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election and other senatorial and federal constituency by-elections scheduled for 20 June 2026 across the nation.
The airlift operation, conducted between 15 and 16 June 2026, was undertaken at the request of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to facilitate the secure and timely movement of sensitive electoral materials from Abuja to designated locations across the country.
A statement by the NAF Spokesman, Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame, said the airlift demonstrates NAF’s commitment to supporting democratic governance through Aid to Civil Authority operations.
According to him, the operation supported preparations for the Ekiti State Governorship Election, Senatorial By-Elections in Enugu North Senatorial District (Enugu State), Nasarawa North Senatorial District (Nasarawa State), and Rivers South East Senatorial District (Rivers State), as well as the Federal Constituency By-Elections in Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of Kano State and Zuru/Shanga Federal Constituency of Kebbi State.
He said the NAF, leveraging its strategic airlift capabilities, transported the sensitive electoral materials from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to designated airports in Enugu, Rivers and Kano States, ensuring that INEC received the materials within the stipulated timeline ahead of the elections.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended the professionalism and dedication of NAF personnel involved in the operation, noting that the successful airlift underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to supporting democratic institutions and national development.
He reaffirmed the NAF’s readiness to continue providing timely and effective support to civil authorities in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, while maintaining a high level of operational readiness to defend the nation.
The statement stressed that the successful completion of the mission further highlights the NAF’s critical role in supporting national institutions and strengthening democratic processes. It added that the operation also underscores the longstanding partnership between the NAF and INEC in safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s electoral process.
“Timely delivery of sensitive electoral materials remains a critical factor in ensuring credible elections and enhancing public confidence in democratic institutions as one of the constitutional responsibilities of the Armed Forces. Aid to Civil Authority operations enable the NAF to contribute meaningfully to national development, governance and stability.
The successful airlift further demonstrates the versatility of NAF air power in advancing critical national objectives while simultaneously sustaining ongoing operations across multiple theatres in defence of the nation. The mission reinforces the NAF’s enduring commitment to national service and its role as a dependable partner in advancing Nigeria’s democratic and developmental aspirations,” he said.
