The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, on Wednesday declared that any personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria found guilty of attempting to overthrow Nigeria’s democratic government would face the full wrath of the law.
Speaking 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 described recent revelations of an alleged coup plot against the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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.
The Air Chief stressed that the Nigerian Air Force remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
He reminded commanders of their responsibility to maintain unity; cohesion; and discipline within the ranks, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle.
“Our role remains to support civil authorities and safeguard democratic processes without partisanship,” he stated.
Reports indicate that more than 40 military personnel and civilians were arrested in connection with the alleged October coup plot last year, while families of some suspects have called for leniency and fair trial.
Reflecting on his first 100 days in office, the Air Chief said he had undertaken operational visits across commands and units to assess processes and engage directly with personnel.
He warned that the global security environment is becoming increasingly complex, citing renewed great power competition; shifting alliances; and evolving security dynamics in the Sahel with serious implications for Nigeria.
He expressed concern over instability in Mali; Burkina Faso; and Niger, noting that the expansion of jihadist groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda poses threats to coastal West African states, including Nigeria.
The Air Chief also described the reported expansion of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) activities into Kwara State as alarming and requiring decisive action.
On the domestic front, he acknowledged modest improvements in security, including reduced pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta and improved stability in the South-East, where joint operations have curtailed separatist violence and weakened the sit-at-home order.
He said joint security operations in the Niger Delta have helped boost crude oil production to about 2.2 million barrels per day, though criminal exploitation of oil facilities remains a concern.
🔗 Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Latest News
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va9qtzXHwXbIyBGtjk2o🔗 Join Our Telegram Channel
https://t.me/+WrSL9_-P-kBlZDM8
