The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that military officers indicted after investigations into alleged misconduct, including claims of a plot to overthrow the Tinubu administration, will be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels.
The development marks the conclusion of a probe into 16 officers arrested in October 2025, with the military confirming that those found to have cases to answer will now face trial under the Armed Forces Act.
Investigation concluded, report submitted
In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said a comprehensive investigation had been concluded in line with established military procedures and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
According to Uba, the findings identified several officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, conduct he said was inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“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 the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”
He added that those indicted would be formally arraigned before relevant military judicial panels in line with applicable service regulations.
Military says process is disciplinary, not political
Uba stressed that the measures being taken were purely disciplinary and part of institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks.
“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an 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,” he said.
He added that the Armed Forces remained resolute in maintaining professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority.
Presidency backs military process
Security and military sources familiar with the matter said President Bola Tinubu had expressed confidence in the military to handle the case according to its rules and the law of the country.
According to the sources, the President would not intervene in the process, having received confirmation that investigations established the existence of a planned coup.
“The President has expressed full confidence in the military to execute justice according to the law,” a source said.
Alleged breach of Presidential Villa security
Security sources said some of the alleged plotters infiltrated the Presidential Villa in Abuja and conducted surveillance of security installations before the plot was uncovered.
According to the sources, the suspects assessed vulnerabilities within the Villa’s defences, with some identified as serving military officers who had access to restricted areas.
Investigators also traced part of the breach to compromised staff linked to Julius Berger, the company responsible for constructing and maintaining the Villa, who allegedly provided access to sensitive locations within the complex.
The Presidential Villa, also known as Aso Rock, is guarded by elite military units, intelligence operatives, and private contractors. Intelligence reports in October 2025 reportedly flagged unusual activity around the facility, prompting closer monitoring.
Officials said authorities deliberately delayed public action to ensure investigations were thorough and security loopholes blocked before proceeding.
Pro-democracy group appeals over detainees’ welfare
Meanwhile, a pro-democracy group, the Concerned Pro-Democratic Activists of Nigeria, has appealed to the Federal Government to consider the health and welfare of officers detained in connection with the case.
Speaking to journalists in Lafia, Nasarawa State, the group’s chairman, Yusuf Dauda, said some of the officers arrested since October 2025 were reportedly falling ill in detention without adequate medical attention.
He also raised concerns about restricted access to family members, saying relatives had been unable to communicate with the officers since their arrest.
Dauda recalled that the military had initially said the officers’ grievances were linked to perceived career stagnation and repeated failure in promotion examinations, adding that early claims of a coup plot were publicly denied at the time.
While condemning any attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government, he urged the authorities to handle the matter with fairness, calling for proper medical care and due process.
Background
Thewatch.ng had reported on Monday that the Defence Headquarters was probing 16 officers over alleged misconduct and breaches of service regulations following their arrest in October 2025.
Military authorities have now confirmed that the probe has been concluded and that those indicted will face trial before military judicial panels.
