By Jane Okafor, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters has said investigations into alleged misconduct by some officers revealed claims of a plot to overthrow the government.
The HG had in October 2025, announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
Earlier, an online news platform – Sahara Reporters – also reported on October 18 that some officers were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency for involvement in alleged secret meetings to oust the government.
But the former Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, refuted the report at the time, stating that it was intended to create tension and distrust among Nigerians.
“The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public,” he stated…
However, in his update on Monday regarding the alleged coup attempt, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, revealed that comprehensive investigation had been conducted in line with established military tradition.
He said the investigation outcome also revealed that some of the officers had cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government and that the report had been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
He stated, “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 Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) 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.
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 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 AFN.
Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before 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.”
