RismadarVoice Reporters, February 11, 2026
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Wednesday condemned what he described as revelations of plans by certain individuals to violently subvert Nigeria’s democracy, warning that anyone involved would face the full wrath of the law.
Aneke made the remarks in Abuja during a meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Force Commanding Officers and Unit Commanders 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. Such actions are shameful, shocking and wholly reprehensible. Any perpetrator will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
The Air Chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s loyalty to the Constitution and the democratically elected government, urging commanders to maintain unity, discipline and cohesion within the ranks.
“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 added.
Addressing broader security concerns, Aneke linked Nigeria’s challenges to rising instability in the Sahel region. He noted that military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger had disrupted regional security cooperation, creating opportunities for extremist groups affiliated with Islamic State and Al-Qaeda to expand operations.
He warned that the escalating violence in the Sahel now threatens to spill into coastal West African countries, including the Republic of Benin and Nigeria.
Within Nigeria, the CAS acknowledged modest improvements in security, however said significant threats remain, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central, as well as farmer-herder conflicts.
Of particular concern, he said, is the recent expansion of activities by the Islamic State’s West Africa Province into Kwara State, describing the development as “an alarming trend that must be decisively reversed.”
Aneke also referenced Nigeria’s recent designation by the United States as a country of particular concern, noting that it has drawn global attention to the nation’s security situation and heightened the urgency for decisive action.
