Olushola Omogbehin
Nigerian Defence Headquarters has finished its investigation of the sixteen military officers arrested in October 2025 over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations, in connection with the plot to overthrow Tinubu government.
Defence Headquarters revealed yesterday that the 16 officers will be arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel.
Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, who revealed this in a statement in Abuja, said the investigation looked into all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel and identified officers with cases to answer, including allegations bordering on a plot to overthrow the government.
According to him, such actions are inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The statement reads: “It would be recalled that the Defence Headquarters issued a press statement in October 2025 regarding the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, 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. The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.
‘’The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.”
Uba disclosed that those indicted would be arraigned before relevant military judicial panels to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. He assures that the process would ensure accountability while upholding fairness and due process.
“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.
“The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks. The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority.”
Reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority, he assures the public that due process and fairness will be strictly observed throughout the proceedings.
Vanguard reports that the 16 officers in custody comprised Brigadier General Musa Sadiq (Nasarawa, 44th Regular Course); Colonel M. Ma’aji (Niger, 47th Course); Lt.-Col S. Bappah (Bauchi, 56th Course); Lt Col A. Hayatu (Kaduna, 56th Course); Lt Col Dangnan (Plateau, 56th Course); and Lt Col M. Almakura (Nasarawa, 56th Course).
Others include Major A. Ibrahim (Gombe, 56th Course); Major M. Jiddah (Katsina, 56th Course); Major M.A. Usman (FCT, 60th Course); Major D. Yusuf (Gombe, 59th Course); Major I. Dauda (Jigawa, DSSC 38); Captain I. Bello (DSSC 43); and Captain A. Yusuf, Lieutenant S. Felix (DSSC). Also included were Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi (Navy), Squadron Leader S. Adamu (Air Force).
Military sources according to a Punch report, have revealed that the alleged coup plotters successfully infiltrated the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with some of the perpetrators identified as serving military officers.
The plotters were said to have conducted detailed surveillance by assessing security installations and identified vulnerabilities in the Villa’s defences and perfected plans to carry out the act before the plot was uncovered.
President Bola Tinubu had expressed confidence in the military to try the indicted officers.
