-Probe into 16 serving officers concludes months after arrests; findings forwarded to superior authorities
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that investigations into 16 serving military officers earlier arrested for acts of indiscipline and breach of service regulations have been concluded, with findings indicating that some of them were allegedly involved in plotting to overthrow the government.
In a press statement issued on Monday and signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) said the outcome of the probe had been forwarded to appropriate superior authorities in line with extant military regulations.
“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 statement said.
According to the military, a “comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures,” examined the conduct of the affected personnel across the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.
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The AFN disclosed that the findings identified “a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” actions it said were inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces.
The DHQ added that officers found to have a case to answer would be subjected to trial.
“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations,” the statement noted.
While confirming the seriousness of the allegations, the military stressed that the measures being taken were strictly internal disciplinary actions.
“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 statement said, adding that the Armed Forces remain resolute in upholding professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority.
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The report first broke in October 2025 that several officers were arrested in Abuja over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. At the time, both the Defence Headquarters and the Presidency denied any coup-related motive, insisting the arrests were linked only to internal disciplinary issues.
However, multiple senior security sources later revealed that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) submitted a detailed report of its investigation to President Tinubu after more than two months of interrogations and internal reviews. Officials said evidence presented to the President suggested the matter went beyond routine infractions.
A senior security source was quoted as saying that the submission of the report marked the end of the investigative phase and paved the way for presidential directives on the next course of action.
The case has drawn wider political attention following reports that military operatives raided the Maitama residence of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, in connection with the investigation. Sylva later confirmed the visit but denied any involvement, describing attempts to link him to the matter as politically motivated.
Despite earlier official denials of any coup plot, Monday’s statement by the DHQ now formally acknowledges that allegations of plotting to overthrow the government were among the findings against some of the detained officers, marking a significant shift in the military’s public position on the matter.