Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, says any member of the Armed Forces found involved in plans to overthrow Nigeria’s democratic government will face the full wrath of the law. He spoke at a strategic meeting with Air Officers Commanding and Unit Commanders at Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja to mark his first 100 days in office.
Aneke described recent revelations about an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration as shameful, shocking and completely unacceptable. He stressed that the Nigerian Air Force remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
He reminded senior officers of their duty to uphold unity, cohesion and discipline within the ranks, especially as the country moves towards another election cycle. He said the military’s role is to support civil authorities and protect democratic processes without taking sides in politics.
According to NAN, more than 40 military personnel and civilians have been arrested in connection with the alleged October 2025 coup plot, and families of some suspects have appealed for leniency and fair trials. Aneke said justice would follow due process but warned that acts aimed at subverting democracy would not be tolerated.
Reviewing his first 100 days, he said he has carried out operational visits across commands and units to assess ongoing operations and engage directly with personnel. He noted that the global security environment is becoming more complex, with renewed great power rivalry and shifting alliances affecting the Sahel and West Africa.
Aneke expressed concern about instability in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger and the spread of jihadist groups linked to Islamic State and al Qaeda. He also highlighted reports of Islamic State West Africa Province expanding activities into Kwara State as a serious threat that must be reversed.
On the domestic front, he acknowledged some improvements, including reduced pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta and better security in the South East, where joint operations have weakened separatist violence and the sit at home order. He said joint efforts in the Niger Delta have helped raise crude oil output to about 2.2 million barrels per day, even though oil theft remains a problem.
Aneke urged commanders to maintain professionalism and strict political neutrality as campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections gather pace. He called for frank, solution driven discussions that will lead to practical decisions and measurable improvements across the service.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support and pledged that the Air Force will continue to deliver decisive air power in cooperation with ground forces to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity. He said safeguarding national security objectives is a sacred duty and promised that the force will not disappoint Nigerians.
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