Nigeria's Air Force Chief Issues Stern Warning to Coup Plotters
Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of the Air Staff, has delivered a forceful condemnation of an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government, vowing that perpetrators will face severe legal consequences.
Unequivocal Condemnation from Military Leadership
Speaking during a meeting with branch chiefs, Air Force commanding officers, and unit commanders in Abuja on Wednesday, February 11, Aneke described the alleged plans as "shameful, shocking and wholly reprehensible." The gathering was 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," Aneke declared. "Such actions are shameful, shocking and wholly reprehensible. Any perpetrator will face the full wrath of the law."
Military Confirms Investigation into 16 Officers
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters confirmed in January that investigations are ongoing into plans to illegally oust President Tinubu's administration. A statement signed by Defence Headquarters spokesperson Samaila Uba indicated that indicted officers will be arraigned before military judicial panels.
The investigation traces back to October 2025, when it emerged that 16 officers were being probed for allegedly planning a coup. Initially, the army claimed the officers were being investigated for "indiscipline and breach of service regulations," but subsequent revelations confirmed the coup plot allegations.
The breakdown of those under investigation includes:
- 14 officers from the Nigerian Army
- 1 officer from the Nigerian Navy
- 1 officer from the Nigerian Air Force
Additional reports indicate that more officers and civilians were later arrested in connection with the matter, suggesting the investigation has expanded beyond the initial 16 suspects.
Security Leadership Shake-up Amid Investigation
The arrests occurred during a significant restructuring of Nigeria's security leadership. In October 2025, President Tinubu replaced the country's service chiefs in a strategic move to strengthen the state's response to worsening insecurity across the nation.
This security overhaul appears connected to the ongoing investigation, with the military taking decisive action against those allegedly plotting against the constitutional government.
Regional Context: Africa's Coup Resurgence
Nigeria's situation unfolds against a backdrop of increasing military takeovers across Africa since 2020. The continent has witnessed several successful coups in recent years, with the most recent occurring in Guinea-Bissau on November 28, 2025.
In that incident, the military seized the national television station, detained incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, and announced a new military leader just days after citizens had voted in presidential elections and were awaiting results.
Political Figures Weigh In on Coup Threats
Adamu Garba, a former presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has predicted that no coup campaign or plot will survive in Nigeria. Garba asserted that international actors would intervene to dismantle plotters and restore democracy in the event of any attempted takeover.
This statement reflects broader concerns about democratic stability in Nigeria and the potential international response to any unconstitutional change of government.
The Nigerian military's firm stance against coup plotting, combined with ongoing investigations and arrests, demonstrates the government's commitment to preserving constitutional order amid regional instability. As Africa grapples with democratic challenges, Nigeria's handling of this alleged plot will be closely watched by regional observers and international partners concerned with maintaining democratic governance across the continent.
