Air Marshal Aneke Condemns Coup Plot, vows full legal action as 16 officers are detained over alleged plan to subvert Nigeria’s democracy
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Wednesday in Abuja condemned what he described as a shocking plot by certain individuals to violently subvert Nigeria’s democracy, warning that perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law.
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Air Marshal Aneke made the declaration during a meeting with branch chiefs, Air Force commanding officers and unit commanders, convened as part of activities marking his first 100 days in office.
“In this context, I unequivocally condemn recent revelations that plans were made by certain individuals to subvert democracy and violently take over the government,” Air Marshal Aneke said.
“Such actions are shameful, shocking and wholly reprehensible. Any perpetrator will face the full wrath of the law.”
The comments followed reports that a small group of serving military officers allegedly attempted to orchestrate a coup aimed at ousting President Bola Tinubu.
Official sources said the plot, reportedly scheduled for October 25, 2025, was uncovered and swiftly addressed by the military hierarchy.
Although initial reactions from the armed forces described the claims as speculative, Defence Headquarters later confirmed that a plan had existed and that 16 officers were in custody over the alleged coup attempt.
Reaffirming constitutional loyalty, Air Marshal Aneke stressed that the Nigerian Air Force remained committed to the democratically elected government.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government of the day,” Air Marshal Aneke said.
Air Marshal Aneke reminded commanders of their duty to preserve unity and discipline within the ranks, urging them to check all forms of indiscipline and unlawful conduct.
Beyond the alleged coup plot, the air chief linked Nigeria’s security challenges to growing instability in the Sahel region.
Air Marshal Aneke noted that military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger had disrupted regional cooperation and created security gaps exploited by jihadist groups linked to the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.
Consequently, violence has intensified and now threatens to spill into coastal West African states, including the Republic of Benin and Nigeria, Air Marshal Aneke warned.
Air Marshal Aneke also referenced Nigeria’s recent designation by the United States as a country of particular concern, stating that the development had heightened global scrutiny and underscored the urgency of decisive action.
Domestically, Air Marshal Aneke acknowledged modest security improvements but pointed to persistent threats.
These include insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central, and farmer-herder conflicts.
Air Marshal Aneke described the recent expansion of Islamic State’s West Africa Province activities into Kwara State as particularly alarming and in need of urgent reversal.
In the Niger Delta, Air Marshal Aneke said joint operations had reduced pipeline breaches and increased crude oil output to about 2.2 million barrels per day over the past three months. However, criminal exploitation of oil facilities remains a challenge.
In the South-East, Air Marshal Aneke reported marked improvements, citing joint operations that dismantled separatist elements and ended the five-year sit-at-home order, enabling gradual restoration of economic and social activities.
With general elections roughly a year away, Air Marshal Aneke urged Air Force personnel to maintain professionalism and political neutrality.
“Our role remains to support civil authorities and safeguard democratic processes without partisanship,” Air Marshal Aneke said.
The two-day meeting reviewed performance during Air Marshal Aneke’s first 100 days in office and featured briefings on key operational areas, including unmanned aerial vehicle development and refining air power for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.
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Air Marshal Aneke called for frank, solution-driven discussions and pledged that the Nigerian Air Force would remain mission-ready and resolute in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
