Coup Plot: Guilty Soldiers Will Face No Mercy — Air Chief Warns

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Wednesday declared that any personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria found culpable of attempting to topple the country’s democratic government would be made to face the full weight of the law.
Aneke made this known 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.

He described recent disclosures of an alleged coup plot against the administration of President Bola Tinubu as “shameful, shocking and wholly reprehensible.”
The CAS emphasised that the Nigerian Air Force remains steadfastly 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 stated.
He reminded commanders of their duty to uphold unity, cohesion and discipline within the ranks, particularly as the nation moves closer to another election cycle.
“Our role remains to support civil authorities and safeguard democratic processes without partisanship,” Aneke added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that more than 40 military personnel and civilians were arrested over the alleged October coup plot last year, while relatives of some of the suspects have appealed for leniency and a fair trial.
Reflecting on his first 100 days in office, the CAS said he had conducted operational visits to various commands and units to review processes and engage with personnel.
He observed that the global security landscape is becoming increasingly complex, marked by renewed great power rivalry, shifting alliances and evolving security challenges in the Sahel with significant implications for Nigeria.
Aneke expressed concern over instability in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, cautioning that the expansion of jihadist groups affiliated with Islamic State and al-Qaeda poses risks to coastal West African nations, including Nigeria.
He also pointed to reports of the expansion of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) activities into Kwara State as a disturbing development that must be firmly countered.
On the domestic front, Aneke acknowledged modest gains in security, including a decline in pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta and improved stability in the South-East, where joint operations have reduced separatist violence and weakened the sit-at-home directive.
According to him, joint security efforts in the Niger Delta have contributed to raising crude oil production to about 2.2 million barrels per day, although criminal exploitation of oil facilities persists.
The CAS urged commanders to maintain professionalism and political neutrality as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
“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.
Aneke expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his leadership and assured that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to provide decisive air power in collaboration with ground forces to protect 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, excluding headline)