The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that investigations into alleged misconduct by some military officers uncovered claims of a plot to overthrow the government.
The DHQ disclosed this on Monday, providing an update on the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations, which was first announced in October 2025.
The officers, who range in rank from Captain to Brigadier General, were reportedly arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency following allegations that they held clandestine meetings aimed at toppling the government. At the time, media reports also linked the alleged plot to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.
Reacting to the reports in October, the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, dismissed suggestions of a coup plot, describing the matter as an internal disciplinary issue and warning that the publication was capable of creating tension and distrust among Nigerians.
He had said an investigative panel had been constituted and that its findings would be made public.
In a statement issued on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said a comprehensive investigation had now been concluded in line with established military procedures.
“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.”
According to him, the investigation carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel and found that some of the officers had cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government.
“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 Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the statement said.
Uba said the indicted officers 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 measures being taken were purely disciplinary and formed part of institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the military, while ensuring fairness and due process.
“The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” he added.
