The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Wednesday issued a stern warning that any individuals involved in plans to violently subvert Nigeria’s democracy will face the full weight of the law. Speaking in Abuja during a strategic meeting with branch chiefs and unit commanders to mark his first 100 days in office, Aneke described recent reports of a foiled coup attempt as shameful and reprehensible.

The Air Marshal confirmed that the military hierarchy has already taken decisive action following the discovery of a plot that aimed to destabilize the government on October 25, 2025. While initial reports were treated as speculative, the Defence Headquarters has since verified the threat and currently holds 16 officers in custody.

Aneke reaffirmed the total loyalty of the Nigerian Air Force to the Constitution and the administration of President Bola Tinubu. He charged commanders to maintain absolute discipline and unity within the ranks, stressing that all forms of unlawful activity or indiscipline must be identified and neutralized immediately.

Addressing the broader security landscape, the Air Chief linked local challenges to the ongoing instability in the Sahel region. He noted that recent military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have created security vacuums that jihadist groups are now exploiting. This instability, he warned, threatens to spill across borders into coastal states including Nigeria.

Domestically, the CAS highlighted a mix of progress and emerging concerns. While joint operations in the Niger Delta have boosted oil production to 2.2 million barrels per day and security in the South East has improved following the dismantling of separatist elements, he expressed alarm over the expansion of the Islamic State West Africa Province into Kwara State.

With general elections approaching, Aneke urged all personnel to uphold professionalism and political neutrality. He stated that the role of the Air Force is to safeguard democratic processes and support civil authorities without partisanship. The two day meeting also focused on the future of air power, including a roadmap for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle development to enhance counterterrorism operations across the country.