Coup Plot: Sixteen Military Officers Arrested, to Face Military Panel – DHQ

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has concluded its investigation into the arrest of sixteen military officers over allegations of indiscipline, breach of service regulations, and involvement in a plot to overthrow the government.

In an official press release signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, on Monday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that the comprehensive probe, which began following the arrests announced in October 2025, has now been completed. The report has been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority for further action.

The statement read in part: “It would be recalled that 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 (AFN) 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 investigation, carried out in strict compliance with military procedures, uncovered evidence linking some of the officers to allegations of plotting to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Such actions were described as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.”

Those found to have cases to answer will now be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel for trial under the Armed Forces Act and other relevant service regulations. The AFN emphasized that the process will uphold principles of fairness, due process, and accountability.

“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 release added. “The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority.”

The arrests, first made public on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, initially cited indiscipline and regulatory breaches. However, widespread reports and public speculation quickly linked the detentions to an alleged coup attempt, with some sources naming senior officers including a Brigadier General as key figures in the purported scheme.

The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of military loyalty and internal discipline under the current administration. Earlier rumors in October 2025 had fueled public anxiety, leading to official denials of any immediate threat to democracy, even as the military quietly replaced some top security officials around that period.

Concerns have also been raised by advocacy groups about the health and welfare of some of the detained officers during their prolonged custody, with calls for either their release or swift formal charges.

The AFN’s latest update signals a move toward formal judicial proceedings, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to rooting out any form of disloyalty or subversion while safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic order.