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.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will fully automate its procurement processes by the end of the first quarter of this year to strengthen transparency, compliance and service delivery, the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has said.

Ogbuku made the disclosure at the Mandatory Continuous Procurement Capacity Development Training Programme organised by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Centre for Skills Development, Port Harcourt.

He said the automation drive was part of broader reforms aimed at improving corporate governance and internal processes within the Commission. “We will soon automate our procurement processes to ensure compliance, transparency and better service delivery. We have recently reformed our corporate governance structure and internal processes,” he stated.

According to him, the NDDC has commenced the implementation of a new Governance Advisory Service to deepen accountability and transparency in service delivery. He added that hosting the training in the Niger Delta underscored the region’s stability and its contribution to national peace.

“We have transitioned from transaction to transformation, and this is evident in our public procurement processes,” Ogbuku said, stressing that the Commission places premium value on due process in public procurement.

He disclosed that the NDDC currently has 35 BPP-certified procurement professionals in its procurement unit and continues to prioritise capacity building through regular training and retraining. He also noted ongoing ICT training for staff to boost digital competence in line with the Commission’s automation agenda.

Highlighting achievements under his leadership, Ogbuku cited the success of the Operation Light Up the Niger Delta initiative, one of the Commission’s flagship programmes, adding that projects are now guided by needs assessment. “Mr President loves the Niger Delta, and we are doing our best to bring his programmes home to the people,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to procurement reforms and transparency, which he said had strengthened professionalism and repositioned procurement as a key driver of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Adedokun said the capacity-building programme reflected the Bureau’s resolve to institutionalise a cadre of trained, certified and accountable procurement professionals, noting that it was designed to enhance competence, ethical standards and professionalism within Nigeria’s procurement system.

“The training is in line with the requirements of the Procurement Act. Procurement is a distinct cadre that provides the foundation for effective project delivery,” he said, urging participants to fully engage in the programme and uphold due process at all times.

Delivering the keynote address titled “The Role of Procurement Officers in the Delivery of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, described procurement as a critical instrument of good governance and a potent tool in the fight against corruption.

He urged procurement officers to internalise and align their responsibilities with the eight priority areas of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports suggesting a plan to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the claims as false, speculative and without foundation.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC said it had noted a surge in media speculation over the matter, including the circulation of names allegedly being considered as potential replacements for the Vice President.

The party stated categorically that the reports were “purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless,” urging media organisations to exercise restraint and avoid amplifying rumours sourced from what it termed “mischievous news sources of questionable provenance.”

The ruling party further reminded the public that a ban on political activities remains in force under existing laws and electoral regulations, stressing that discussions around the 2027 elections are premature and inappropriate at this time.

According to the statement, the APC’s immediate focus is on supporting President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the delivery of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the ongoing economic reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, fostering growth and improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

The party also cautioned ministers, senior government officials and party leaders against making comments or taking actions that could fuel unnecessary speculation, calling on them to concentrate instead on effective service delivery and on communicating the achievements of the Tinubu-led administration.

The Rivers State Government has declared that it draws its confidence from the assurance that God is more than sufficient to guide its leaders, strengthen its institutions, and sustain its communities in peace and progress.
‎
‎Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, made this declaration during the 2026 Holy Ghost Rally organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, on Sunday, 25th January 2026.

‎Speaking through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the Governor stated that “with the Almighty God on our side, our challenges are surmountable and our future remains hopeful,” noting that the theme of this year’s rally, “The All-Sufficient God,” is both timely and reassuring.
‎
‎According to Governor Fubara, the theme serves as a powerful reminder that in a world filled with uncertainty, God remains our unfailing source, sufficient in wisdom, strength, provision, and grace. He stressed that when human ability reaches its limit, God’s sufficiency prevails.
‎
‎The Governor commended the Redeemed Christian Church of God for its consistent spiritual impact and unwavering prayers for Rivers State and the nation, expressing appreciation for the Church’s contributions to promoting moral values, unity, and faith in God.
‎
‎In his sermon, drawn from Genesis 17:1, the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, described the Almighty God, whose name is above every other name, as all-sufficient and capable of meeting every human need.
‎
‎He noted that the God who created all things also has the power to repair and restore them.
‎
‎Pastor Adeboye explained that while human effort, including medical intervention, may reach its limits, there comes a point where only God steps in to turn situations around, bringing hope where none seemed possible.
‎
‎In his address, the Pastor in charge of the Rivers Family of the RCCG, Pastor Adesoji Oni, stated that the Port Harcourt Holy Ghost Rally, which began in 2015 and has now become an annual event, has been a tremendous blessing to the people of the State.
‎
‎ Pastor Adesoji noted that the rally has drawn thousands of souls to God while impacting lives spiritually and physically.
‎
‎He further disclosed that the Church has gone beyond preaching the Gospel to actively engage in impactful initiatives through its Christian Social Responsibility programmes.
‎
‎These include skills acquisition centres, maternity centres across the State, a rehabilitation centre for persons battling substance abuse, and an Innovative Mind Hub.
‎
‎

The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr Chiedu Ebie, has expressed optimism that talents discovered at the Niger Delta Games will represent the country at international sporting events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and the All-Africa Games.

Speaking during a strategic retreat organised by the consultant for the 2nd Niger Delta Games, Dunamis Icon Limited, in Benin City, Edo State, Ebie endorsed the idea of holding sessions to review and project plans for successful games.

He stated: “The Board of the NDDC wants to make the games our legacy project, such that there will come a time in the future when we can have athletes from the Niger Delta Games representing Nigeria at international events such as the Olympics.”

Addressing members of the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee, the NDDC Chairman commended the leadership of Dunamis-Icon Limited, noting: “When you want to institutionalise an event such as the Games, you have to hold such reviews to ensure that gaps are closed.”

Ebie also commended the Edo State Government for its proactive leadership in sports development and expressed confidence that the second edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival would exceed expectations.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, reaffirmed Edo State’s readiness to host the second edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival.

He commended the NDDC under the leadership of Ebie for sustaining the initiative, describing sports as a powerful tool for unity, peace, and socio-economic development in the region. According to him, the Commission’s continued support reflects a clear understanding of the long-term benefits of sports development.

Reaffirming Edo State’s preparedness, the Sports Commission Chairman assured that facilities, logistics, and technical structures were in place to ensure a smooth and successful event. He added that Edo State was working closely with the NDDC and organisers to deliver a festival that would set new standards in organisation, athlete welfare, and competitive excellence.

In his welcome address, the Managing Consultant at Dunamis-Icon, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, explained that the retreat was the second to be organised to review the past games in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and correct mistakes for improvement.

“We are working to connect the dots, ask ourselves hard questions and see how we will organise a richer Games”, Ikpokpo said.

The 2nd edition of the games will be held from February 20-27 for the nine states that make up the Niger Delta region.

Residents and stakeholders in the Niger Delta have commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, for sustaining operations against oil theft and illegal refining, describing the effort as crucial to boosting national revenue and addressing long-standing environmental challenges in the region.

The commendation followed rallies organised on Thursday and Friday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, by the Niger Delta Peace & Security Forum, where community leaders and concerned residents voiced support for ongoing military actions targeting crude oil theft and artisanal refining.

Speaking at the rallies, the Forum’s Convener, Inko-Tariah Micheal, praised the CDS and the Armed Forces for what he described as their unwavering commitment to protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and restoring order across the Niger Delta.

Micheal said the renewed anti-oil theft campaign had led to a noticeable reduction in crude oil losses, improved government revenue, and mitigated environmental pollution associated with illegal bunkering activities.

“The renewed commitment of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Nigerian military is yielding positive results,” he said. “Beyond boosting oil production and revenue, these operations are helping to keep the Niger Delta environment cleaner and safer for our people.”

Participants at the rallies observed that declining incidents of oil spills and soot pollution in some communities were early signs of the environmental benefits of the operations. They stressed the need for sustained collaboration between host communities and security agencies to ensure lasting peace and environmental protection.

The Niger Delta Peace & Security Forum reaffirmed its support for the Nigerian military, urging continued professionalism, community engagement and inclusiveness to consolidate the gains recorded in the fight against oil theft and environmental degradation in the region.