The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that 16 officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, earlier arrested over allegations of indiscipline and suspected coup plotting, will be arraigned before a military court martial. The announcement was made by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, in a statement issued in Abuja.
According to the DHQ, investigations launched in October 2025 have now been concluded in line with established military procedures. The probe examined the conduct of the affected officers and identified several with cases to answer, including allegations said to border on attempts to overthrow the government—actions described as inconsistent with the ethics and professional standards of the military.
The military emphasised that the steps being taken are purely disciplinary, aimed at maintaining order, cohesion, and operational effectiveness within the ranks. The officers will face trial under the Armed Forces Act and other relevant service regulations, with assurances that due process and fairness will be strictly observed.
Sources identified the officers as including a Brigadier General, a Colonel, multiple Lieutenant Colonels and Majors, Captains, a Lieutenant, as well as personnel from the Navy and Air Force. Many of them are said to be from the Infantry, Signals, and Ordnance Corps, making the case particularly sensitive within military circles.
Given Nigeria’s history of military coups between 1966 and 1993, allegations of coup plotting remain a serious matter. The DHQ reiterated the Armed Forces’ commitment to professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority as the court martial process moves forward.
