By Paul Williams
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening its partnership with the Nigerian Air Force to tackle emerging security challenges across the country.
Disu stated this on Wednesday when he received the Chief of the Air Staff, Nigerian Air Force, Air Marshal S.K. Aneke, who paid a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting focused on deepening cooperation between the two security agencies, particularly in the areas of joint operations, intelligence sharing, aerial support and coordinated responses to security threats.
The Chief of the Air Staff commended the longstanding professional relationship between the NPF and NAF, while acknowledging the support provided by the Police Air Wing to the Nigerian Air Force.
Aneke stressed the need for sustained collaboration between both institutions, especially in joint operations, intelligence gathering and enhanced air support for police operations.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, key areas discussed during the meeting included aerial surveillance and reconnaissance, tactical deployment, medical evacuation, joint training and improved operational coordination.
The statement noted that the collaboration would strengthen efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, insurgency and other forms of violent crime across the country.
Speaking during the meeting, Disu said the Police would continue to deepen its partnership with the Nigerian Air Force through joint training, capacity building, intelligence-led operations and sustained operational support.
The IGP also emphasised the importance of personnel welfare, effective command and control, as well as coordinated security planning, particularly ahead of major national events and the 2027 general elections.
He further called for improved protection of critical national infrastructure, enhanced logistics and response capabilities, as well as regular reviews of joint operational engagements to ensure greater effectiveness.
The NAF delegation included the Chief of Training, Air Vice Marshal A.Y. Dari; Chief of Operations, Air Vice Marshal P.N. Amadi; Chief of Air Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal N.N. Ananaba; Air Provost Marshal, Air Vice Marshal J.I. Ukeh; Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal A.A. Martins; Director of Operations, Air Vice Marshal A.O. Bamidele; and Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore E.A. Ejodame.
Others were the Principal Air Staff Officer to the CAS, Air Commodore H.I. Eze; and Principal Staff Officer, Coordination to the CAS, Group Captain F.O. Olanrewaju.
The Nigeria Police Force said it remained committed to strengthening strategic partnerships with sister security agencies and enhancing inter-agency coordination towards building an integrated security response capable of protecting lives, property and critical national assets.
