The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Wednesday declared that any officer of the Armed Forces of Nigeria found guilty of attempting to overthrow Nigeria’s democratic government would face the full wrath of the law.

Mr Aneke made the remarks while addressing air officers commanding and unit commanders at a strategic meeting at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja, marking his first 100 days in office.

He described recent revelations of an alleged coup plot against the administration of President Bola Tinubu as “shameful, shocking and wholly reprehensible.

He stressed that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) remained firmly loyal 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.

The CAS reminded commanders of their responsibility to maintain unity, cohesion and discipline 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 officers and civilians were arrested in connection with the alleged October coup plot last year, while families of some of the suspects had called for leniency and fair trial.

Reflecting on his first 100 days in office, the CAS said he had undertaken operational visits across commands and units to assess processes and interact with personnel.

He noted that the global security environment was becoming increasingly complex, with renewed great power competition, shifting alliances and evolving security dynamics in the Sahel carrying serious implications for Nigeria.

Mr Aneke expressed concern over instability in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, warning that the expansion of jihadist groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda posed threats to coastal West African states, including Nigeria.

He also cited the reported expansion of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) activities into Kwara State as an alarming development that must be decisively reversed.

On the domestic front, Mr Aneke acknowledged modest improvements in security, including reduced pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta and improved stability in the South-East, where joint operations have curtailed separatist violence and weakened the sit-at-home order.

He said joint security operations in the Niger Delta had helped boost crude oil production to about 2.2 million barrels per day, though criminal exploitation of oil facilities remained a challenge.

Mr Aneke charged commanders to ensure professionalism and political neutrality as campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

“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.

The CAS expressed gratitude to Mr Tinubu for his leadership and pledged that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to deliver decisive air power in synergy with surface forces to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“We will not disappoint Nigerians. It is our sacred duty to safeguard the national security objectives of our country,” he added. 

(NAN)