The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has declared that any member of the Armed Forces of Nigeria found culpable in any attempt to overthrow the country’s democratic government will be dealt with decisively under the law.
He made the statement on Wednesday while addressing Air Officers Commanding and Unit Commanders at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja during a strategic meeting marking his first 100 days in office.
Reacting to recent reports of an alleged coup plot targeting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Air Chief did not mince words, describing the development as “shameful, shocking and wholly reprehensible.”
“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 perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
Air Marshal Abubakar reaffirmed the unwavering loyalty of the Nigerian Air Force to the Constitution and to the democratically elected government, stressing that the military must remain professional and non-partisan.
He charged commanders to uphold unity, cohesion and discipline within their ranks, especially as the nation moves closer to another election cycle.
“Our role remains to support civil authorities and safeguard democratic processes without partisanship,” he stated.
According to reports, over 40 military personnel and civilians were arrested in connection with the alleged October coup plot last year. Meanwhile, relatives of some of the suspects have appealed for leniency and a fair trial.
Speaking on his first 100 days in office, the Air Chief disclosed that he had conducted operational visits to various commands and units to evaluate structures, review processes and engage directly with officers and airmen.
He warned that Nigeria must remain alert as the global security landscape grows increasingly complex, pointing to renewed great power rivalry, shifting geopolitical alliances and evolving security challenges across the Sahel region.
He expressed particular concern about the instability in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, noting that the spread of jihadist groups affiliated with Islamic State and al-Qaeda poses significant risks to coastal West African nations, including Nigeria.
The Air Chief further described as alarming the reported expansion of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) activities into Kwara State, stressing the need for swift and decisive action.
On the domestic front, he acknowledged gradual improvements in the security situation. He cited a decline in pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta and increased stability in the South-East, where joint military operations have curbed separatist violence and weakened enforcement of the sit-at-home order.
He added that coordinated security efforts in the Niger Delta have contributed to boosting crude oil production to approximately 2.2 million barrels per day, although criminal activities targeting oil infrastructure remain a lingering concern.
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