The Nigerian military has announced plans to formally arraign 16 officers recently detained over an alleged plot against the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The development was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
The officers were arrested in October 2025 amid investigations into an alleged coup plot, which the military initially described as cases of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. The Defence Headquarters has now confirmed that investigations into the matter have been concluded.
Of the 16 officers, 14 are from the Nigerian Army, while one officer each is from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force. It was also gathered that additional officers and civilians were later arrested in connection with the case.
According to the statement, the investigation report has been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.
“It would be recalled that 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 statement said.
The military described the probe as comprehensive, noting that it was conducted in accordance with established procedures and examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.
The findings, the statement revealed, identified a number of officers with cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, actions described as inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels to face trial in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations,” the statement added.
The Defence Headquarters stressed that the process is aimed at ensuring accountability while upholding fairness and due process, clarifying that the actions taken are part of internal disciplinary mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” the statement concluded.
The military has urged the public to remain calm as the judicial process unfolds.
