At last, DHQ confirms coup plot, indicted officers to face military trial

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that some military officers recently arrested for acts of indiscipline were involved in an alleged plot to overthrow the government and will now face trial before military judicial panels.

The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, announced this via a statement issued on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Uba stated that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the findings forwarded to appropriate authorities in line with existing military regulations.

The defence spokesman recalled that the DHQ had, in October 2025, announced the arrest of 16 officers over breaches of service regulations, adding that a comprehensive investigation had since been carried out to determine the circumstances surrounding their conduct.

Uba stated: “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.

“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. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.”

Uba reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority, assuring Nigerians that the military remains resolute in upholding the highest standards within its ranks.

Profiles of 16 military officers detained over alleged coup plot against Tinubu

“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,” he said.

It would be recalled that the DHQ disclosed in October 2025 that it had taken into custody 16 military officers for various acts of misconduct and violations of service rules.

Subsequently, an online news platform alleged that the detained officers, whose ranks reportedly ranged from Captain to Brigadier General, were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency over claims that they held clandestine meetings aimed at destabilising the government.

The platform added that the alleged plot was linked to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.

However, the military authorities at the time dismissed the claims, with the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, describing the report as misleading and capable of inciting public anxiety.

Gusau maintained that the issue was an internal disciplinary matter being handled within the framework of military regulations and not a threat to national stability.

The Star