The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has warned personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) against any act capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic order, stressing that indiscipline will not be tolerated within the ranks.
Aneke gave the warning during a meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding and Unit Commanders at NAF headquarters in Abuja, where he reaffirmed the service’s loyalty to the democratically elected government and the Constitution.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains loyal to the democratically elected government. We will not tolerate indiscipline or unlawful conduct within our ranks,” he said, underscoring the military’s commitment to civil authority.
His remarks come weeks after the Defence Headquarters confirmed an attempted coup allegedly involving a group of officers targeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Sixteen officers implicated in the plot are scheduled to face a court-martial.
In a statement posted on the Air Force’s official X handle, Aneke condemned any attempt to subvert democratic governance and insisted that the leadership would take firm action against personnel found wanting.
The CAS urged senior commanders to pursue operational excellence anchored on unity, discipline and strategic clarity, describing the meeting as an important moment of reflection after his first 100 days in office.
He noted that his recent operational visits across various commands exposed him to the sacrifices and dedication of personnel, but added that the prevailing security climate requires renewed focus and collective resolve.
According to him, Nigeria’s security landscape remains complex, with instability in the Sahel, extremist violence and shifting geopolitical dynamics influencing the country’s defence posture. While acknowledging improvements in some regions, he stressed that insurgency, banditry and emerging threats demand sustained military pressure.
With elections approaching, Aneke reminded commanders that the Air Force must maintain absolute professionalism and political neutrality, assuring that the service would continue to build a mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in collaboration with other security agencies.
