The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that investigations into alleged misconduct by some senior military officers uncovered claims of a plot to overthrow the Tinubu administration.
The confirmation followed months of speculation after the military, in October 2025, announced the arrest of 16 officers for acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
The Trumpets had reported on October 18, 2025, that the officers—ranging in rank from captain to brigadier general—were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over allegations that they held secret meetings aimed at toppling the government.
The report also linked the sudden cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade to the alleged coup plot.
At the time, the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, dismissed the reports, accusing SaharaReporters of attempting to sow tension and distrust among Nigerians.
He insisted the matter was a purely internal disciplinary issue.
“The ongoing investigation involving the 16 officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks,” Gusau said, adding that an investigative panel had been set up and its findings would be made public.
However, providing an update on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that a comprehensive investigation had since been concluded in line with established military procedures.
According to him, the findings revealed that some of the officers indeed had cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government. He said the investigation report has been forwarded 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,” Uba said.
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“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 personnel and identified a number of officers whose actions were inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Uba said those indicted 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 ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” he said.
He stressed that the measures being taken were purely disciplinary and part of institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the military, adding that the Armed Forces remained loyal to constitutional authority.
