The Nigerian Armed Forces have announced that some officers will soon be brought before a military judicial panel to stand trial over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government.
In a statement issued by the Director, Major General Samaila Uba, the military said the action is being taken in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.
“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.”
The statement explained that the steps being taken are strictly disciplinary in nature and part of internal mechanisms designed to maintain order within the military.
“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.”
The development follows the military’s announcement in October 2025 that 16 officers had been arrested for alleged acts of indiscipline and violations of service rules.
At the time, the Armed Forces said preliminary findings showed that the officers’ actions were linked to frustrations arising from repeated failures in promotion examinations and dissatisfaction with stalled career progression.
In an earlier statement by the Directorate of Defence Information, the conduct of the officers was described as falling below the standards expected of military personnel.
It was also disclosed that some of the officers were already under investigation for other offences and were either facing trial or awaiting court proceedings.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations. Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.
“The Armed Forces will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will remain professional at all times.”
Speculation around an alleged coup attempt intensified months later, particularly after the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade.
The Defence Headquarters had dismissed claims that 16 officers, ranging from Captain to Brigadier General, were detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency over alleged secret meetings to plan a coup.
It explained that the parade was cancelled to allow President Bola Tinubu attend a strategic bilateral engagement abroad and to enable the Armed Forces to sustain momentum in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
“The Federal Government, the legislature, and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development, and well-being of the nation. Democracy is forever.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, had said.
In the same period, reports also emerged that soldiers raided the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa State governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, over alleged links to the coup plot.
Security sources claimed the operation was carried out by a special military team following intelligence that Sylva had allegedly held secret meetings with some of the detained officers.
The operation reportedly extended to his Bayelsa residence, where his brother, identified as Paga, was arrested.
“The Nigerian Army special team ransacked the home of Timipre Sylva, who is believed to have fled Nigeria.
“He is the South-South former governor frequently mentioned in the case. His brother, Paga, was picked up during the raid,” a source had said.
Amid the unfolding controversy, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) called on the Federal Government to clearly state the facts surrounding the alleged coup plot involving the arrested officers.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed concern over what it described as mixed signals from government authorities.
“The ADC is particularly concerned that the federal government has not deemed it fit to make a categorical statement on this very serious matter, especially after the military authorities repeatedly denied that there was such a threat to the government.
“By keeping quiet, the government has deliberately allowed the coup story to fester for whatever reason,” the party said.
What you should know
The Nigerian Armed Forces say investigations into the arrest of 16 officers have been concluded, with some now facing trial before a military judicial panel over alleged plots to overthrow the government.
While the military insists the process is purely disciplinary and rooted in service regulations, the issue has sparked national debate due to earlier denials of a coup threat, the cancellation of the Independence Day parade, and reported raids linked to political figures.
Opposition parties are demanding clarity, while the military maintains its loyalty to the Constitution and civilian authority under President Bola Tinubu.
