Author: Gist Correspondent

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has made public the identities of 16 officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria indicted by a Special Investigative Panel over allegations of serious misconduct, including an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed on Monday that the panel had concluded its assignment and established that the affected officers have cases to answer. He said they would be subjected to trial by a military Court Martial in accordance with extant laws, regulations, and procedures of the Armed Forces.

According to Major General Uba, the investigation thoroughly examined the circumstances surrounding the conduct of the officers and identified actions deemed inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards expected of military personnel.

He stressed that the exercise was strictly a disciplinary process aimed at safeguarding internal discipline, unity, and operational effectiveness within the Armed Forces, and not a politically motivated action.

The indicted officers, drawn largely from the Infantry, Signals, and Ordnance Corps, include personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The officers and their ranks are as follows: Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (Nasarawa State, 44th Regular Course); Colonel M. A. Ma’aji (Niger State, 47th Regular Course); Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah (Bauchi State, 56th Regular Course); Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu (Kaduna State, 56th Regular Course); Lieutenant Colonel Dangnan (Plateau State, 56th Regular Course); and Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura (Nasarawa State, 56th Regular Course).

Others are Major A. J. Ibrahim (Gombe State, 56th Regular Course); Major M. M. Jiddah (Katsina State, 56th Regular Course); Major M. A. Usman (Federal Capital Territory, 60th Regular Course); Major D. Yusuf (Gombe State, 59th Regular Course); Major I. Dauda (Jigawa State, DSSC 38); Captain I. Bello (DSSC 43); Captain A. A. Yusuf; Lieutenant S. S. Felix (DSSC); Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi of the Nigerian Navy; and Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu of the Nigerian Air Force.

Background to the development dates back to October 2025, when rumours of an alleged coup plot against President Tinubu’s government circulated widely on social media. At the time, the Defence Headquarters dismissed the reports as false, misleading, and capable of undermining national stability.

The DHQ had urged Nigerians to disregard the claims, describing them as the handiwork of purveyors of misinformation and enemies of the nation.

In the aftermath of the controversy, President Tinubu approved a reshuffle of the leadership of the Armed Forces as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr. Sunday Dare, said the changes were aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and security coordination.

Under the new appointments, General Olufemi Oluyede replaced General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, while Major General W. Shaibu was named Chief of Army Staff.

Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke was appointed Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas became the Chief of Naval Staff.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General E. A. P. Undiendeye, was the only service chief retained in his position.