The Nigerian military has confirmed that findings from an investigation into 16 detained personnel have linked some officers to an alleged attempted coup to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The confirmation followed the conclusion of investigations into allegations of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations involving the officers. According to the military, officers against whom substantial evidence has been established will be formally arraigned before a military judicial panel to face trial in line with existing laws.
In a statement titled “Update on Disciplinary Cases Involving Sixteen Officers Investigated for Indiscipline, Breach of Service Regulations,” the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said investigations into the matter had been completed and the final report submitted to appropriate superior authorities for further action.
He recalled that in October 2025, the Defence Headquarters had announced the arrest of the 16 officers over alleged acts of indiscipline and violations of military codes.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have now concluded, and the final report has been submitted to the appropriate superior authorities for further action, as per established military regulations,” the statement said.
Major General Uba explained that the investigation was conducted meticulously in line with rigorous military procedures, examining both the conduct of the officers and the circumstances surrounding the alleged coup attempt.
According to him, the findings revealed that several officers were implicated in actions aimed at destabilising the government, conduct he described as incompatible with the values, ethics and professional standards of the Armed Forces.
He stated that officers found culpable would be subjected to trial by a military panel in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other relevant legal frameworks, with assurances that fairness and due process would be upheld.
The military added that the disciplinary measures form part of an ongoing effort to preserve institutional integrity and operational effectiveness.
“In line with the AFN’s core principles, the measures currently in progress are designed to reinforce discipline and preserve the operational readiness of the force,” Uba said.
He stressed that the Armed Forces remain committed to professionalism, loyalty and respect for Nigeria’s constitutional order, adding that maintaining constitutional authority is central to safeguarding national stability.
The military had earlier denied reports of a coup plot, stating at the time that the detained officers were being investigated strictly for indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
Then Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, had described the probe as a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism within the ranks, noting that the outcome would be made public at the conclusion of the investigation.
By Linus Aleke, Abuja
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