Air chief condemns coup plot
Air Chief Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Nigerian Air Force, has publicly condemned reports of an alleged coup plot within the Nigerian military and reaffirmed the commitment of the air force to the country’s constitutional democratic government.
Aneke’s statement came amid renewed speculation and rumours that elements within the military might be considering unconstitutional attempts to usurp power — claims that have circulated in recent months but were repeatedly dismissed by defence officials as false or misleading. In his address on Wednesday, the air chief made it clear that any attempt to subvert democratic governance would be met with “the full wrath of the law.”
The announcement that Air Chief condemns coup plot, vows loyalty to democratic govt underscores ongoing concerns about the stability of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the role of the military in upholding, rather than undermining, constitutional order. Aneke said the air force remains resolutely loyal to the democratic government and the 1999 Constitution and would not tolerate attempts — real or imagined — to overthrow civilian leadership through force.
In his remarks, the air chief condemned the notion of a coup outright, warning that anyone found guilty of plotting against Nigeria’s democratic system would face severe consequences. He emphasised that the air force’s primary duty is to protect the nation’s territorial integrity and safeguard its democratic institutions.
“The Nigerian Air Force stands firmly with the democratic Government of Nigeria,” Aneke was quoted as saying. “We reject any act or conspiracy aimed at destabilising the democratic system. Those who contemplate such acts must know that democracy is forever and any attempt to subvert it will be decisively handled within the full weight of the law.”
The air chief’s comments come against a backdrop of heightened sensitivity in the country following various rumours and speculations about “coup plots” within the military ranks, some of which have been publicly denied by the Defence Headquarters. In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters dismissed claims of a coup attempt involving several detained officers, stating that the arrests were related to alleged professional misconduct and not an effort to overthrow the government, Air chief condemns coup plot.
Similarly, media reports have shown that defence officials have repeatedly reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are loyal to the constitution and to the democratically elected government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dismissing any suggestions to the contrary as rumours intended to sow discord.
The renewed focus on loyalty to democratic governance also aligns with wider regional developments. In December 2025, a serious coup attempt in neighbouring Benin Republic was thwarted after loyalist forces regained control from mutineers who briefly declared the government dissolved. The incident drew international condemnation and highlighted the dangers of unconstitutional takeovers in West Africa’s evolving political landscape.
https://ogelenews.ng/air-chief-condemns-coup-plot-vows-loyalty-to-democr…
Nigeria has played a role in supporting democratic stability in the region. Its armed forces, including the Nigerian Air Force, participated in efforts to foil the coup attempt in Benin Republic at the request of that country’s government, deploying fighter jets to help dislodge coup plotters from strategic positions.
Air Chief Aneke’s expression that Air Chief condemns coup plot, vows loyalty to democratic govt is therefore seen by military observers as part of a broader reaffirmation of professional military conduct and constitutional subordination in Nigeria. He stressed that the Air Force’s loyalty lies with the nation’s democratic setup and not with any faction or group that might seek to circumvent due process.
Military analysts say such declarations are important for public confidence, especially following years of political instability in parts of West Africa where coups and attempted coups have disrupted governance. Nigerian military leadership has consistently stressed that political ambition has no place in the ranks and that the security forces must remain apolitical and faithful to the civilian government, Air chief condemns coup plot.
Furthermore, the air chief called on citizens to reject misinformation and rumours about military disloyalty, saying such claims can weaken national morale and distract security personnel from their constitutional duties. Aneke added that internal disciplinary channels exist to address professional issues within the military, and these processes should not be conflated with coup plotting.
His statement may also have a stabilising effect at a time when political discourse in Nigeria can quickly become polarised and susceptible to unverified claims that could damage public trust in state institutions.
In closing, Air Chief Aneke reiterated that the Nigerian Air Force is dedicated to safeguarding democracy and working in partnership with other security agencies to ensure that constitutional order is respected at all times.
The air chief’s firm stance that Air Chief condemns coup plot, vows loyalty to democratic govt reinforces the official position of the Armed Forces of Nigeria as guardians of the nation’s democratic norms and constitutional integrity.
https://punchng.com/military-investigation-ends-dhq-moves-to-arraign-alleged-coup-plotters
Air chief condemns coup plot
