Air Chief Condemns Alleged Coup Plot, Reaffirms NAF Loyalty to Democracy
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has strongly condemned alleged plans by certain individuals to violently subvert Nigeria’s democracy, warning that anyone involved would face the full force of the law.
Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Force Commanding Officers, and Unit Commanders—part of activities marking his first 100 days in office—Aneke described the alleged plot as “shameful, shocking, and wholly reprehensible.”
“In this context, I unequivocally condemn recent revelations that plans were made by certain individuals to subvert democracy and violently take over the government. Such actions are shameful, shocking, and wholly reprehensible. Any perpetrator will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s allegiance to the Constitution and the democratically elected government, Aneke stressed the importance of unity, discipline, and adherence to lawful conduct within the ranks.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government of the day. Accordingly, commanders are reminded of their responsibility to maintain unity and cohesion within the ranks while checking all forms of indiscipline and unlawful activity,” he added.
On national security, Aneke linked Nigeria’s challenges to instability in the Sahel, citing recent military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which disrupted regional security cooperation and created opportunities for jihadist groups. He warned that violence from the Sahel could spill into Nigeria and neighboring coastal states.
“Within our immediate neighbourhood, the Sahel remains highly unstable due to the expansion of jihadist groups linked to Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. Military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have disrupted security cooperation and created gaps exploited by armed groups. Consequently, violence has intensified and now threatens to spill into coastal West African states like the Republic of Benin and Nigeria,” he said.
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Aneke also referenced Nigeria’s designation by the United States as a country of particular concern, noting that the global spotlight underscores the urgency of decisive action.
Domestically, the CAS acknowledged modest improvements in security but highlighted ongoing threats, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnappings in the North-West and North-Central regions, and farmer-herder conflicts. He expressed particular concern over the Islamic State’s West Africa Province expanding activities into Kwara State.
“The security situation has recorded modest improvement. Nevertheless, insurgency in the Northeast, widespread banditry and kidnapping for ransom in the Northwest and North-Central region, as well as farmer-herders’ conflicts, persist. Of particular concern is the recent expansion of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province into Kwara, an alarming trend that must be decisively reversed,” he stated.
Aneke noted that security in the Niger Delta had improved over the past three months due to joint operations that reduced pipeline breaches and increased crude oil output to about 2.2 million barrels per day, though criminal exploitation of oil facilities remains a challenge.
He also highlighted improved security in the South-East, where joint operations have weakened separatist elements and largely dismantled a five-year sit-at-home order, allowing economic and social activities to gradually resume.
With general elections less than a year away, Aneke urged personnel to maintain professionalism and political neutrality.
“Our role remains to support civil authorities and safeguard democratic processes without partisanship,” he said.
The two-day meeting also reviewed performance during Aneke’s first 100 days and included briefings on the UAV development roadmap and strategies to refine air power in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.
The CAS called for frank, solution-driven discussions aimed at measurable improvements across the Air Force, emphasizing that the service will remain mission-ready and committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Aneke’s remarks follow confirmation from the military hierarchy that a small group of serving officers attempted to remove the president, though early official responses downplayed the claims as speculative.
By PRNigeria
