The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, has unequivocally condemned recent revelations that certain individuals allegedly plotted to subvert Nigeria’s democracy and violently take over the government, describing such actions as “shameful, shocking and wholly reprehensible.”
Air Marshal Aneke declared that any perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law, stressing that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government of the day.
The CAS made the remarks during his opening address at a meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) and Unit Commanders held at the Air Marshal MD Umar Blue Room on 11 February 2026.
He described the meeting as a timely platform for reflection, strategic alignment and recalibration of leadership perspectives as the Service moves into a new operational phase.
Air Marshal Aneke noted that the global security environment remains complex and uncertain, marked by renewed great-power competition whose effects are increasingly evident across Africa.
He referenced shifting alliances in the Sahel and the withdrawal of some traditional partners, warning that the expansion of jihadist groups linked to ISIS and Al-Qaeda in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger poses significant implications for Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to him, the instability in the Sahel risks spilling into coastal West African states, including Nigeria and Benin Republic, thereby demanding sustained vigilance and coordinated action.
On the domestic front, the CAS acknowledged modest improvements in security nationwide but cautioned that insurgency in the North East, banditry and kidnapping in the North West and North Central, as well as farmer–herder conflicts, remain pressing challenges.
He expressed particular concern over the reported expansion of ISWAP activities into Kwara State, describing the development as alarming and requiring decisive reversal.
In the Niger Delta, however, he noted a reduction in pipeline breaches and an increase in crude oil output to approximately 2.2 million barrels per day, attributing the gains to sustained joint operations. He also highlighted significant progress in the South East, where joint security efforts have weakened separatist elements and reduced the long-running “sit-at-home” disruptions.
With general elections about a year away and political campaigns set to commence, Air Marshal Aneke directed commanders to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and political neutrality.
“Our role remains to support civil authorities and safeguard democratic processes without partisanship,” he stated, urging commanders to maintain unity, discipline and cohesion within the ranks.
The two-day meeting, he said, would review performance over the past 100 days and feature briefs by AOCs alongside presentations on key areas, including the UAV Development Roadmap and refining airpower in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
Reflecting on his first 100 days in office, the Air Chief said the period had provided him the opportunity to conduct operational visits, assess institutional processes and witness firsthand the dedication and sacrifices of personnel across commands and units.
He called for frank, solution-driven discussions that would translate into measurable improvements across the Service.
Reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to national security, the CAS pledged unwavering support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that it remains the sacred duty of the Armed Forces to translate the President’s vision into decisive action through operational excellence and selfless service.
“We will not disappoint Nigerians,” he concluded, as he formally declared the meeting open.
