Air Chief Vows Full Wrath of Law Against Coup Plotters, Warns of Sahel Spillover

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has condemned the alleged plot by some individuals to violently overthrow Nigeria’s democratically elected government, vowing that any perpetrator will face the full weight of the law.

Aneke spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Force Commanding Officers, and Unit Commanders to mark his first 100 days in office.

“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 perpetrator will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

The CAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s loyalty to the Constitution and the civilian administration, directing commanders to maintain unity, cohesion, and discipline within the ranks while checking all forms of unlawful activity.

His remarks come weeks after the military hierarchy confirmed that a small group of serving officers had attempted to remove the president claims initially downplayed by official quarters as unfounded and speculative.

Sahel Instability, ISWAP Expansion Worry Air Chief

Aneke linked Nigeria’s worsening security challenges to growing instability in the Sahel, noting that recent military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger had disrupted regional security cooperation and created vacuums exploited by jihadist groups.

He warned that violence linked to Islamic State and Al-Qaeda affiliates was intensifying and threatening to spill into coastal West African states, including the Republic of Benin and Nigeria.

The CAS also referenced Nigeria’s recent designation by the United States as a Country of Particular Concern, stating that it had drawn global attention to the nation’s security situation and underscored the urgency of decisive action.

Domestically, Aneke acknowledged modest gains but said major threats persist, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central, and farmer-herder conflicts.

He expressed particular concern over the recent expansion of Islamic State’s West Africa Province activities into Kwara State, describing the trend as alarming and in need of immediate reversal.

Niger Delta Gains, South-East Improvement

In the Niger Delta, Aneke said joint operations over the past three months had significantly reduced pipeline breaches and helped boost crude oil production to approximately 2.2 million barrels per day, though criminal exploitation of oil facilities remains a challenge.

In the South-East, he noted marked improvement, with sustained joint operations dealing decisive blows to separatist elements and largely dismantling the five-year sit-at-home order, paving the way for the gradual restoration of economic and social activities.

Elections: CAS Tasks Personnel on Neutrality

With general elections approximately one year away and political campaigns expected to commence this year, the Air Chief urged personnel to remain professional and politically neutral.

“Our role remains to support civil authorities and safeguard democratic processes without partisanship,” he said.

Aneke explained that the two-day meeting would review performance during his first 100 days and feature briefings on key areas, including the UAV development roadmap and efforts to refine air power in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.

He called for frank, solution-driven discussions that would translate into measurable improvements across the service, pledging that the Air Force would remain mission-ready and committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.