Coup Plotters Against Tinubu Government Will Face Full Wrath of Law — Air Chief
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Wednesday warned that any member of the Armed Forces of Nigeria found guilty of attempting to overthrow the country’s democratic government would face the full wrath of the law.
Aneke gave the warning while addressing Air officers commanding and unit commanders during a strategic meeting at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters in Abuja, marking his first 100 days in office.
Describing recent revelations of an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration as “shameful, shocking and wholly reprehensible,” the CAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s loyalty to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
“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 perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
He reminded commanders of their responsibility to maintain unity, discipline and cohesion within the ranks, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle.
“Our role remains to support civil authorities and safeguard democratic processes without partisanship,” Aneke stated.
More than 40 military personnel and civilians were reportedly arrested in connection with the alleged October coup plot last year, while relatives of some suspects have appealed for leniency and a fair trial.
Reflecting on his first 100 days in office, Aneke said he had carried out operational visits across various commands and units to assess activities and engage directly with personnel.
He observed that the global security landscape is becoming increasingly complex, marked by renewed great power rivalry, shifting alliances and evolving dynamics in the Sahel region, all of which have significant implications for Nigeria.
The Air Chief expressed concern over ongoing instability in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, noting that the expansion of jihadist groups linked to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda poses serious threats to coastal West African nations, including Nigeria.
He also described reports of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) activities extending into Kwara State as troubling, stressing that such developments must be decisively reversed.
On the domestic front, Aneke acknowledged modest security gains, including reduced pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta and improved stability in the South-East, where joint security operations have curtailed separatist violence and weakened enforcement of sit-at-home orders.
He noted that coordinated operations in the Niger Delta have helped raise crude oil production to about 2.2 million barrels per day, although criminal exploitation of oil facilities remains a challenge.
The CAS urged commanders to uphold professionalism and political neutrality as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“As we deliberate here, I expect frank and solution-oriented discussions that will translate into practical decisions and measurable improvements across the service,” he said.
He added, “We will not disappoint Nigerians. It is our sacred duty to safeguard the national security objectives of our country.”
