DHQ Confirms Coup Attempt, Indicted Officers To Face Trial

AFTER an initial denial, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), on Monday, January 26, said investigations into alleged misconduct by some officers confirmed rumours of a plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.
It stated that 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 to ensure accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.
Recall that in October last year, the DHQ announced the arrest of 16 officers over what it termed acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
This was after SaharaReporters reported on October 18 that the officers, from the rank of Captain to Brig-Gen., were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for allegedly holding secret meetings to overthrow the government, linking it to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.
The DHQ, through the Director of Defence Information (DDI) at the time, Brig-Gen. Tukur Gusau, dismissed the publication as intended to create tension and distrust among Nigerians, insisting the matter was strictly a disciplinary issue handled internally.
According to him: “The ongoing investigation involving the 16 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.”
However, in its update in a statement on Monday, the new DDI, Maj-Gen. Samaila Uba, said a comprehensive investigation had been conducted, in line with established military procedures.
He disclosed that findings showed that some of the officers had cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government and the investigation report has been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
According to the statement: “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 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.”
Uba added: “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.”