The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that investigations into alleged misconduct by some military officers uncovered claims of a plot to overthrow the government.
In October 2025, the DHQ announced the arrest of 16 officers for acts of indiscipline and violations of military rules. The officers, whose ranks range from Captain to Brigadier General, were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency.
At the time, reports claimed the officers held secret meetings to plan a coup and linked the alleged plot to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade. However, the military initially dismissed those reports, describing the issue as an internal disciplinary matter.
Then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the reports were meant to cause fear and mistrust among Nigerians. He stated that an investigation panel had been set up and that the matter would be handled internally.
Giving an update on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said investigations had now been completed following standard military procedures.
According to him, the findings showed that some of the officers have serious allegations to answer, including involvement in plans to overthrow the government. The investigation report has been forwarded to the appropriate superior military authorities.
Uba said the officers found culpable will be charged before relevant military courts and tried in line with the Armed Forces Act and other service regulations.
He stressed that the process would follow due process and ensure fairness, adding that the actions being taken are strictly disciplinary and aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and professionalism within the Armed Forces.
The military leadership, he added, remains committed to upholding professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority.
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