The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially confirmed that some of its officers plotted to unseat President Bola Tinubu.
In October 2025, the DHQ disclosed the arrest of 16 officers for acts of indiscipline and breaches of military regulations.
These officers, ranging from Captain to Brigadier General, were detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) after being accused of plotting to destabilize the government.
Reports linked the arrests to secret meetings held by the officers. The report also suggested that the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade was connected to the alleged coup attempt.
At the time, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the then Director of Defence Information, dismissed the claims, describing the reports as an attempt to sow discord and mistrust among Nigerians. He said that the matter was a disciplinary issue and would be handled internally within the military.
However, on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, provided an update, revealing that a thorough investigation had been conducted in line with established military procedures.
Uba confirmed that the investigation had concluded, with the findings implicating several officers in plotting against the government.
“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,” Uba said, adding that the investigation had carefully examined all the circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.
The investigation report has now been forwarded to the “appropriate superior authority,” and Uba confirmed that the officers involved would be formally arraigned before military judicial panels to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other relevant service regulations.
“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,” Uba stated.
He assured the public that the military’s actions were purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to maintain order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the armed forces. Uba emphasized that the military remained committed to the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority.
The DHQ reiterated its resolve to ensure fairness and due process throughout the legal proceedings. “The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority,” Uba added.