In 763, he became the governor of Sanuki, and when FUJIWARA no Nakamaro's War broke out, he worked as the chief captain of outer guard and imprisoned Emperor Junnin who was able to become the emperor with the help of FUJIWARA no Nakamaro.
763年には讃岐守へ転任し、764年に藤原仲麻呂の乱が起きると、敬福は藤原仲麻呂の支持で即位していた淳仁天皇を外衛大将として幽閉する役目を引き受けている。