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, 2026.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the operation was carried out between June 15 and 16 at the request of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the secure and timely delivery of electoral materials to designated locations across the country.
According to the statement, the airlift supported preparations for the Ekiti governorship poll, as well as 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.
The operation also covered federal constituency by-elections in Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of Kano State and Zuru/Shanga Federal Constituency of Kebbi State.
Using its strategic airlift capabilities, the NAF transported the sensitive materials from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in 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, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the professionalism and dedication of personnel involved in the mission, describing the successful operation as a demonstration of the NAF’s commitment to supporting democratic institutions and national development
He reaffirmed the Service’s readiness to continue providing timely and effective support to civil authorities while maintaining operational readiness to defend the nation.
The NAF noted that the operation underscores its longstanding partnership with INEC in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, stressing that the timely delivery of sensitive electoral materials remains critical to the conduct of credible elections and the strengthening of public confidence in democratic institutions.
The Air Force added that the successful mission highlights the versatility of NAF air power in advancing national objectives while sustaining ongoing security operations across various theatres nationwide.
