The Nigerian Armed Forces has confirmed that some officers will be formally arraigned before a military judicial panel over allegations of plotting to overthrow the Federal Government.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military said the decision follows the conclusion of investigations and is being carried out in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.
According to the statement, the Defence Headquarters had earlier announced in October 2025 the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. It said investigations into the matter have now been concluded, with the findings forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in accordance with extant military procedures.
“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel,” the statement said.
It added that the findings identified some of the officers as facing allegations related to plotting to overthrow the government, describing such conduct as inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“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,” the statement noted.
The Armed Forces emphasised that the measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of internal institutional mechanisms aimed at preserving 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,” it added.
Background To Officers’ Arrest
The military action follows the arrest of 16 officers in October 2025 during what the Armed Forces described as a routine military exercise addressing indiscipline and service violations.
At the time, preliminary investigations revealed that the actions of the affected officers were allegedly linked to frustrations arising from repeated failures in promotion examinations and concerns over stalled career progression.
The Directorate of Defence Information had said some of the officers were already under investigation for various offences and were either facing trial or awaiting court proceedings.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority,” the military said.
Speculation Over Coup Plot, Parade Cancellation
The planned military trials come amid months of public speculation over an alleged attempt to overthrow the Federal Government, which some reports had linked to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade.
The Defence Headquarters had earlier dismissed claims that the arrested officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General, were detained over covert meetings to plan a coup.
It explained that the parade was cancelled to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral engagement outside the country and to enable the Armed Forces to sustain momentum in ongoing counter-terrorism, anti-insurgency and anti-banditry operations.
“The Federal Government, the legislature, and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development, and well-being of the nation. Democracy is forever,” the military said.
It reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remain loyal to the Constitution and to the Federal Government under the leadership of the President as Commander-in-Chief.
Alleged Raid On Ex-Governor’s Residence
In the same month, reports emerged that soldiers stormed the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa State governor and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, over an alleged link to the coup plot.
Security sources had claimed that the operation was carried out by a special military team following intelligence reports linking the former governor to alleged secret meetings with some of the detained officers.
The operation was also said to have extended to Bayelsa State, where Sylva’s brother was reportedly arrested. The former governor has not been officially charged in connection with the matter.
Opposition Demands Clarity
Meanwhile, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) called on the Federal Government to clarify what it described as conflicting narratives surrounding the alleged coup plot.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed concern over what it said were mixed signals from government and military authorities.
“The ADC is particularly concerned that the federal government has not deemed it fit to make a categorical statement on this very serious matter,” the party said.
The ADC warned that continued silence could deepen public anxiety and fuel speculation over the stability of Nigeria’s democracy.
