The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has condemned recent revelations of plans by some individuals to violently overthrow Nigeria’s democratically elected government, describing the alleged plot as “shameful, shocking and wholly reprehensible.”
Speaking at a meeting with Branch Chiefs and unit commanders in Abuja to mark his first 100 days in office, Aneke declared that any perpetrator would face the full wrath of the law.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government of the day. Commanders are reminded of their responsibility to maintain unity and cohesion within the ranks, while checking all forms of indiscipline and unlawful activity,” he said.
Sahel Instability, ISWAP Expansion Worry CAS
Aneke linked Nigeria’s security challenges to growing instability in the Sahel, noting that military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic had disrupted regional security cooperation and created gaps exploited by jihadist groups.
He warned that violence now threatens to spill into coastal West African states, including the Republic of Benin and Nigeria.
Domestically, the CAS acknowledged modest security gains but listed persistent threats: 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 expansion of Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) activities into Kwara State—an “alarming trend” he said must be decisively reversed.
In the Niger Delta, Aneke reported that joint operations had reduced pipeline breaches and boosted crude oil output to about 2.2 million barrels per day. In the South-East, he said joint operations had dealt decisive blows to separatist elements and largely dismantled the five-year sit-at-home order, restoring economic and social activities.
Elections 2027: NAF to Remain Non-Partisan
With general elections approximately one year away, Aneke urged personnel to maintain professionalism and political neutrality, stating that the Air Force’s role is to support civil authorities and safeguard democratic processes without partisanship.
The two-day meeting reviewed performance during his first 100 days and featured briefings on UAV development and air power optimisation in counterterrorism operations.
—
Disclaimer: This report is based on an official address by the Chief of the Air Staff. CDA News Nigeria presents defence and security news without editorial bias.
© 2026 CDA News Nigeria, All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | Contact Us
