The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has condemned reports of plans by certain individuals to violently subvert Nigeria’s democracy, warning that anyone involved would face the full wrath of the law.
Aneke made the statement in Abuja on Wednesday during a meeting with Air Force branch chiefs, commanding officers, and unit commanders, part of activities marking his first 100 days in office.
He said, “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.”
According to official sources, a small group of serving military officers planned a coup to oust President Bola Tinubu on October 25, 2025. The plot was uncovered and swiftly addressed by the military hierarchy. Sixteen officers are reportedly in custody in connection with the attempt.
Reaffirming the loyalty of the Nigerian Air Force to the Constitution and the democratically elected government, Aneke urged commanders to maintain unity, cohesion, and discipline within the ranks.
He said, “The Nigerian Air Force remains loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government of the day. Commanders are reminded of their responsibility to maintain unity and cohesion within the ranks, while checking all forms of indiscipline and unlawful activity.”
On national security, Aneke linked Nigeria’s challenges to instability in the Sahel, noting that coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger had disrupted regional security cooperation, creating gaps exploited by jihadist groups.
“Within our immediate neighbourhood, the Sahel remains highly unstable due to the expansion of jihadist groups linked to the 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.
He also referenced Nigeria’s recent designation by the United States as a Country of Particular Concern, highlighting that the move has drawn global attention to the country’s security situation.
Domestically, Aneke noted modest improvements in security but pointed out persistent threats, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central regions, and farmer-herder conflicts.
“Of particular concern is the recent expansion of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province activities into Kwara, an alarming trend that must be decisively reversed,” he said.
The CAS highlighted that insecurity in the Niger Delta had declined 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.
In the South-East, the security situation has improved markedly, with joint operations dismantling separatist elements and ending the five-year sit-at-home order, allowing gradual restoration of economic and social activities.
With general elections about a year away, Aneke urged Air Force 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 reviewed performance during Aneke’s first 100 days in office, with briefings on UAV development and refining air power for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.
The air chief called for solution-driven discussions to ensure measurable improvements across the service, pledging that the Air Force would remain mission-ready and committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
