The Defence Headquarters on Monday confirmed that investigations into alleged misconduct by some senior officers uncovered a plot to overthrow the government, paving the way for those indicted to face military trial.
The confirmation followed the conclusion of a comprehensive probe into the arrest of 16 officers in October 2025 for acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. The officers, who range in rank from Captain to Brigadier General, were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the investigation was conducted in line with established military procedures and that its report had been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
According to him, the findings revealed that some of the officers had cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, an act he said was inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards expected of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“The Defence Headquarters issued a press statement in October 2025 regarding the arrest of sixteen officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations,” Uba said.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”
He explained that the investigation carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected officers and identified those with allegations serious enough to warrant further action.
Uba disclosed that officers found culpable would be formally arraigned before relevant military judicial panels to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.
“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels to face trial. This is to ensure accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” he added.
The alleged coup plot first came to public attention in October 2025 when reports emerged that some officers were arrested for holding secret meetings aimed at toppling the government. The reports also linked the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade to the alleged plot.
Reacting at the time, the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, dismissed suggestions of a coup attempt, describing the issue as a routine internal disciplinary matter and accusing the reports of attempting to create tension and distrust among Nigerians.
He had said, “The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public.”
With the conclusion of the probe, the Defence Headquarters maintained that the actions being taken remain purely disciplinary and part of institutional mechanisms designed to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the military.
Uba reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to constitutional authority, stressing that the military remains resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and loyalty.
