The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it is deploying surveillance aircraft to potential flashpoints across the country as part of efforts to secure lives and property during general elections commencing on Saturday with the presidential and national assembly polls.
The surveillance aircraft are besides those assigned for support operations during the elections, according to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
Abubakar, at a meeting with Principal Staff Officers and Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) of the six NAF Field Commands in Abuja, said the surveillance aircraft would provide real-time imagery intelligence that would be streamed live to the HQ NAF Situation Room as well as Command Situation/Operations Rooms across the country.
He stressed the need for all officers and men to remain apolitical in the course of their duties, and resist any entreaty by individuals who are more concerned about their personal interests than the nation’s interests.
He also urged them to work very closely with other security agencies to ensure that no individual or group of individuals undermine the electoral process.
He warned that Commanders would be held personally responsible for any lapses.
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said the force is working in conjunction with the Police and other security agencies to “ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians before, during and after the elections.”
