Author: Gist Correspondent

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that investigations into the arrest of 16 military officers uncovered allegations of a plot to overthrow the government, with those indicted now set to face trial before military judicial panels.

The confirmation was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, who said the investigation had been concluded and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with military regulations.

The officers, who range in rank from Captain to Brigadier General, were arrested in October 2025 by the Defence Intelligence Agency over acts initially described as indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

At the time, reports had emerged alleging that the officers were involved in secret meetings aimed at toppling the government, with claims also linking the development to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade. The Defence Headquarters had dismissed such reports as speculative and tension-inducing.

Then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, had insisted that the matter was strictly an internal disciplinary issue, assuring Nigerians that a duly constituted investigative panel would handle it and that findings would be made public.

Providing an update, Major General Uba said the comprehensive investigation, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.

According to him, the findings identified a number of the officers as having cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, actions he said were inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

“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.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria 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.”

He added that those indicted would be formally arraigned before relevant military judicial panels in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

Uba stressed that the process would ensure accountability while upholding fairness and due process, noting that the actions being taken were purely disciplinary.

He emphasised that the measures form part of the military’s 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 statement added.