Coup plotters will face justice – Air chief

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Wednesday condemned reports of plans by certain individuals to violently subvert Nigeria’s democracy, declaring that perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law.

Aneke spoke in Abuja during a meeting with branch chiefs, Air Force commanding officers and unit commanders, held as part of activities marking his first 100 days in office.

“In this context, 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 perpetrator will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

Speaking on national security, Aneke linked Nigeria’s challenges to growing instability in the Sahel, noting that military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger had disrupted regional security cooperation and created gaps exploited by jihadist groups.

“Within our immediate neighbourhood, the Sahel remains highly unstable due to the expansion of jihadist groups linked to the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.

“Military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have disrupted security cooperation and created gaps exploited by armed groups.