The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has pledged the Nigerian Air Force’s continued support for the Nigeria Police Force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Aneke stressed the need for stronger intelligence sharing, joint training and operational coordination between the two security agencies.
He made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, at the Police Force Headquarters.
The Air Chief described the relationship between the two institutions as “a longstanding partnership, recalling several instances in which the police and Air Force had worked seamlessly during security operations.”
He particularly commended the Police Air Wing for its swift response following the crash of an NAF Mi-17 helicopter in August 2023, when two Bell helicopters were deployed to assist with casualty evacuation.
“It is when you are in a tight corner and you are in need, you know who is your friend. And the police has always been with us whenever we are in such situations,” Aneke said.
According to him, the close working relationship between the two agencies had at times made it difficult to distinguish between police and Air Force personnel during operations.
Aneke said the 2027 general elections would be a crucial test for Nigeria’s security agencies, making early coordination and information sharing imperative.
“The 2027 general election will serve as a crucial test for security agencies. Enhancing collaboration and open information sharing is very essential,” he said.
He further called for expanded exchange programmes between both institutions, including training in air intelligence, forensic investigation, crime-scene management and other specialised areas.
Aneke said the NAF was ready to host police officers at its School of Air Intelligence in Makurdi, while Air Force personnel would benefit from training at police institutions.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu described the visit as a demonstration of the strong bond between the two security institutions, stressing that neither agency could effectively fulfil its mandate without the other.
Disu recalled a joint operation in Rivers State involving the Nigerian Air Force against a criminal gang operating in difficult terrain.
He said intelligence gathered by the police was analysed by the Air Force, followed by reconnaissance and an aerial strike that disrupted the criminal camp and created an opportunity for ground forces to move in.
“It took us months and months of planning activities. We could not break it up until the Air Force came to assist the police to soften the ground,” the IGP said.
Disu said the experience demonstrated the value of combining police intelligence and ground capabilities with the Air Force’s aerial surveillance and strike capabilities.
According to him, faster transmission of information from the field to decision-makers would improve the speed and effectiveness of security responses.
“The faster information moves from the field to the decision maker, the faster we can respond,” he said.
The IGP acknowledged the NAF’s support during the last election, saying personnel from both agencies worked closely to prevent violence and maintain security.
