The panel which was raised by Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to probe alleged misconduct of 16 military officers named in an attempted coup bid against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, has indicted them recommending a military trial.
Spokesman recalls that in October 2025, the DHQ announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations after it emerged in the news that on October 18 2025 that the officers, ranging in rank from Captain to Brigadier General, were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for allegedly holding secret meetings to topple the government.
Reacting at the time, the former Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the news of the alleged coup plot was to create tension and distrust among Nigerians, adding that the matter was strictly a disciplinary issue handled internally.
“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,” the statement said.
But in an update on three day ago, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said a comprehensive investigation conducted in line with established military procedures showed some of the officers had cases to answer over an alleged plot to overthrow the government and that the report had gone to the appropriate superior authority.
“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.
“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.
“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.
“The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.”
Major General Samaila Uba said those indicted would be formally arraigned before relevant military judicial panels to face trial in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations, remarking that the process would ensure accountability while upholding fairness and due process.
He emphasised that the measures being taken were purely disciplinary and formed part of institutional mechanisms aimed at preserving order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks.
“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.
“The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks.
“The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority”, he said.
