The Chief of Air Staff, Hasan Bala Abubakar, has warned that any member of the Armed Forces of Nigeria found guilty of attempting to overthrow the country’s democratic government will face the full weight of the law.
Speaking on Wednesday during a strategic meeting with Air Officers Commanding and unit commanders at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja, to mark his first 100 days in office, the Air Chief condemned reports of an alleged coup plot against the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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. Any perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law,” he stated.
Air Marshal Abubakar stressed that the Nigerian Air Force remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government, reminding commanders of their duty to preserve unity, discipline and cohesion within the ranks, especially as the country moves toward another election cycle.
“Our role remains to support civil authorities and safeguard democratic processes without partisanship,” he added.
Reports indicate that more than 40 military personnel and civilians were arrested over the alleged coup plot uncovered last October, while some families of suspects have appealed for leniency and fair trial.
Reflecting on his first 100 days, the Air Chief said he had conducted operational visits across formations to assess readiness and engage directly with personnel.
He warned that Nigeria faces a rapidly evolving security landscape, pointing to renewed geopolitical competition, shifting alliances and instability across the Sahel, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Abubakar noted that the expansion of jihadist networks linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) poses a growing threat, describing reports of the group’s activities spreading into Kwara State as alarming.
On the domestic front, he acknowledged improvements in security, citing reduced pipeline vandalism and stronger joint operations in the Niger Delta, which he said have helped increase crude oil production to about 2.2 million barrels per day, though criminal activity around oil infrastructure remains a concern.