Thursday, June 4, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

Coup: Officers to face court-martial – Military

DHQ

BY PHILIP NWOSU

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that investigations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria uncovered a plot by some military personnel to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, bringing clarity to months of speculation surrounding an alleged coup attempt.

The confirmation follows earlier denials by military authorities after the Federal Government, in October 2025, cancelled the military parade scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1. At the time, reports linked the cancellation to an alleged coup plot, claims which the DHQ dismissed, insisting the decision was unrelated to any security threat.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said investigations conducted in line with established military procedures had now been concluded and submitted to the appropriate superior authority.

According to the DHQ, the comprehensive investigation examined the conduct of personnel implicated in the matter and identified a number of officers alleged to have been involved in plotting to overthrow the government.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations,” Uba said.

He noted that the alleged actions of the affected officers were inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Uba disclosed that officers found to have cases to answer would be formally arraigned before relevant military judicial panels in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

“Those with cases to answer will be arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial. This process ensures accountability while upholding fairness and due process,” he added.

Reports had earlier indicated that no fewer than 16 military officers were arrested in the first week of October 2025 in connection with the alleged coup plot, while two others were reportedly on the run. At the time, the DHQ denied any link between the arrests and a coup attempt.

The defence spokesperson stressed that the ongoing actions against the affected officers are purely disciplinary in nature and form part of the military’s internal mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks.

He reassured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain firmly committed to constitutional authority and democratic governance.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” Uba said.

He added that the military would continue to act within the law to safeguard national security and uphold the integrity of the institution.