In a stern warning against any attempts to undermine Nigeria’s democracy, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has vowed that anyone involved in plans to violently overthrow the government will face the full force of the law. Aneke made the declaration during a high-level meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, marking his first 100 days in office as he met with Air Force commanders, unit leaders, and branch chiefs.
The meeting was dominated by discussions surrounding the recent discovery of a plot involving several serving military officers who allegedly aimed to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government. According to official sources, the plot—scheduled for October 25, 2025—was quickly identified and neutralized, with 16 officers now in military custody. While initial reactions from the military had labeled these reports as speculative, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the existence of the coup attempt and underscored the severity of the situation.
In his address, Aneke condemned the coup plot as an affront to the nation’s democratic values, calling it “shocking, shameful, and reprehensible.” He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to the Constitution, stressing that loyalty to the democratically elected government remains unwavering. The Air Chief emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and unity within the military ranks, urging commanders to be vigilant against any signs of insubordination or illegal activities.
Aneke also touched on the broader security landscape, particularly the instability plaguing the Sahel region. He expressed deep concern over the growing presence of jihadist groups linked to the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, which have thrived in the wake of recent military coups in neighboring Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These upheavals have disrupted regional cooperation, leaving gaps that are now being exploited by violent extremists. According to Aneke, this expanding insecurity poses a direct threat to countries in coastal West Africa, including Nigeria, whose security forces are increasingly engaged in counterterrorism efforts to safeguard the region.
The Air Chief referenced Nigeria’s recent designation by the United States as a “country of particular concern,” highlighting the global spotlight now focused on the nation’s security challenges. This, he said, further underscores the need for urgent and decisive action to combat the rising tide of violence within the country and the region.
On the domestic front, while acknowledging some improvements in security, particularly in the Niger Delta, Aneke noted that several threats remain unresolved. Banditry and kidnapping continue to plague the North-West and North-Central regions, while insurgency remains a concern in the North-East. Of particular alarm to the Air Chief was the expanding reach of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP), which has recently made inroads into Kwara State, further complicating Nigeria’s security dynamics.
The security situation in the South-East has shown signs of improvement, largely due to successful joint military operations that have dismantled separatist movements and ended a prolonged sit-at-home order. These efforts have paved the way for a gradual recovery of social and economic activities in the region.
Despite these challenges, Aneke highlighted the positive impact of joint operations in the Niger Delta, which have significantly reduced the activities of oil thieves and restored stability to the area. This has led to an increase in crude oil production, reaching approximately 2.2 million barrels per day, although the exploitation of oil facilities remains a persistent issue.
With the general elections approaching in just under a year, the Air Chief urged Air Force personnel to maintain political neutrality and professionalism. He reiterated that the military’s primary role is to support civil authorities and uphold democratic processes without engaging in partisan activities.
As part of his first 100-day review, Aneke also underscored the importance of modernizing the Nigerian Air Force, particularly through the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and enhancing air power for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency missions. The Air Force’s readiness to face security challenges head-on remains a top priority, with a renewed focus on strategic planning and innovation.
In closing, Air Marshal Aneke assured the personnel of the Nigerian Air Force that they remain fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and national security, promising a continued push for operational excellence as the country navigates its complex security landscape.