Disu made the call on Wednesday during a meeting with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin, and other senior officers at the IGP Conference Hall, Louis Edet House, Abuja.
The IGP said the two security agencies must continue to work closely to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, particularly kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, armed robbery, communal conflicts and political violence.
He stressed that the complementary responsibilities of the Police and Air Force made cooperation essential, noting that while the Air Force provides aerial intelligence and surveillance, the Police are primarily responsible for securing the ground.
“It shows we have to work together. Our jobs are very, very important. We do not have any choice but to cooperate with each other,” Disu said.
The IGP recalled previous joint operations involving both agencies, including an operation against a criminal group operating from a heavily forested and difficult terrain.
According to him, intelligence gathered by the Police was complemented by aerial reconnaissance from the Air Force, which enabled security forces to identify the criminals’ movements and location.
He said the subsequent air operation disrupted the criminal camp, weakened the group and created an opportunity for ground forces to launch further assaults, eventually leading to the death of the group’s leader and the arrest of other members.
Disu commended the Nigerian Air Force for its support, saying the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation.
He also called for expanded joint training and personnel exchange programmes to improve the capacity of officers and strengthen understanding between both institutions.
On the 2027 general elections, the IGP said preparations must begin early, stressing that the Police, as the lead agency for election security, would require the support of other security organisations.
“We should not wait until the election period before we activate deeper collaboration,” he said.
The IGP further advocated stronger intelligence and information sharing between the two agencies, particularly in addressing armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and political violence.
Earlier, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin, proposed the establishment of an active exchange programme between the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigeria Police Force.
“We suggest we establish an active exchange programme. We will be happy to host police officers for courses at the Nigerian Air Force School of Air Intelligence,” Kelvin said.
He also proposed reciprocal training opportunities for Air Force personnel at Police institutions, particularly in forensic and modern investigative methods.
The Air Chief said the exchange of expertise, intelligence, resources and training would strengthen the capabilities of both security agencies.
“By regularly sharing our intelligence, resources and training, I believe we can play a key role in making Nigeria safer, both for the 2027 election and in the future,” he said.
On election security, Kelvin assured the Police of the Air Force’s readiness to provide aerial support when required.
“We are willing to assist, collaborate and partner with you to ensure that the ongoing election is seamless. We are here to give you support from the air,” he said.
He explained that his decision to attend the meeting with senior Air Force officers was aimed at strengthening direct coordination between the leadership and operational teams of both institutions.
“The aim is for my team to network with your team so that whenever a need arises, we have synergy so we can help you,” the Air Chief said.
Both security chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the longstanding partnership between the Police and Air Force through sustained intelligence sharing, joint training and coordinated operations to address Nigeria’s security challenges and enhance security ahead of the 2027 elections.
