The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Wednesday condemned reports of plans by certain individuals to violently subvert Nigeria’s democracy, declaring that perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law.
Aneke spoke in Abuja during a meeting with branch chiefs, Air Force commanding officers and unit commanders, held as part of activities marking his first 100 days in office.
“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.
A small group of serving military officers recently attempted to orchestrate a coup aimed at ousting President Bola Tinubu, according to official sources. The plot, which reportedly involved plans to violently subvert Nigeria’s democratic system on October 25, 2025, was uncovered and swiftly addressed by the country’s military hierarchy.
Early reactions from the military initially described the claims as speculative, but the Defence Headquarters confirmed that there was a plan, adding that 16 officers were in custody of the coup attempt.
Reaffirming the loyalty of the Nigerian Air Force to the Constitution and the democratically elected government, Aneke stressed that commanders must maintain unity and discipline 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.
Speaking on national security, Aneke linked Nigeria’s challenges to growing instability in the Sahel, noting that military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger had disrupted regional security cooperation and created 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.
The CAS also referenced Nigeria’s recent designation by the United States as a country of particular concern, saying it had heightened global attention on the nation’s security challenges and underscored the urgency of decisive action.
“Nigeria’s recent designation by the United States as a country of particular concern has attracted global interest in Nigeria’s security challenges and heightened urgency of decisive action,” he said.
Domestically, Aneke acknowledged modest improvements in the security situation but noted 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 noted 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 remained a challenge.
In the South-East, he said the security situation had 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 and featured briefings on key areas, including UAV development and refining air power for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.
The air chief called for frank, solution-driven discussions to ensure measurable improvements across the service and pledged that the Air Force would remain mission-ready and committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
