The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Monday 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 breaches of service regulations. The officers, ranging in rank from Captain to Brigadier General, were reportedly detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency.
At the time, Sahara Reporters had alleged that the officers were arrested for holding secret meetings aimed at toppling the government and linked the development to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.
Reacting to the report, the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, dismissed the claims, describing the matter as a routine internal disciplinary issue and accusing the report of attempting to create panic and distrust.
He said an investigative panel had been constituted and assured that its findings would be made public.
Providing an update on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the investigation had been concluded in line with established military procedures.
According to him, the findings revealed that some of the officers have cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, and 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.
“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 said the probe thoroughly examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel and found that allegations against some of the officers were inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
Uba disclosed that officers indicted in the report would be formally arraigned before relevant military judicial panels to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.
He stressed that the process would ensure accountability while upholding fairness and due process.
“The measures being taken are purely disciplinary and form part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks,” he said.
Uba added that the Armed Forces remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority.
