CAS: 2027: NAF Has Positioned Its ISR Capabilities to Up Its Situational Awareness

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has revealed that the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) was alreadypositioning some of its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to enhance situational awareness during the electoral period. 

He made this known yesterday in Abuja when he paid a courtesy visit to headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying such capabilities could assist in the early detection of potential security threats and support timely responses by relevant agencies.

The CAS noted that Nigeria remained the largest democracy on the African continent, and the resilience of the country’s democratic system continued to be sustained by strong and credible institutions such as INEC. 

Through its constitutional mandate of organising and conducting elections, Aneke stressed that the Commission played a central role in ensuring that Nigerians freely exercised their sovereign right to choose their leaders. 

In this regard, the work of INEC continued to reinforce public confidence in democratic governance.

He said NAF has observed a renewed emphasis on institutional reforms, staff welfare, and measures aimed at enhancing the inclusiveness of the electoral process. 

In particular, the Air Chief pointed out that the introduction of sign language interpreters at polling units represented a commendable step towards ensuring that persons with disabilities are able to participate more fully in the democratic process. 

These initiatives, he added, reflected a clear commitment to strengthening transparency, accessibility, and operational efficiency within the Commission.

Aneke emphasised that the relationship between the NAF and INEC has long been anchored on shared commitment to national stability, professionalism, and the rule of law. 

He said NAF considered its partnership with the Commission as an important contribution to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.