By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has publicly confirmed that a number of Nigerian military officers were involved in an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, months after authorities first detained suspects on related charges.
In a statement released on Monday, January 26, 2026, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said an investigation into the conduct of 16 officers detained in October 2025 has now been concluded and forwarded to the appropriate military authorities for further action.
The probe, which followed the initial arrests made on grounds of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations, found that some of the officers were involved in actions inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), including allegations of planning to undermine constitutional authority.
Major General Uba said those identified with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before military judicial panels under the Armed Forces Act and other service regulations, stressing that the process adheres to established military procedures.
The military’s confirmation comes after earlier denials and confusion surrounding reports of a coup attempt.
In October 2025, the DHQ dismissed online claims that the cancellation of Nigeria’s Independence Day parade and a sequence of arrests were linked to a coup, calling such reports false and misleading. At that time, officials said the detentions were part of routine disciplinary procedures.
The latest statement marks a shift from earlier messaging and indicates that elements of the investigation have identified more serious concerns about some personnel’s conduct in relation to national security. The federal government has been cautious in its public response to the situation, often emphasising the military’s loyalty to constitutional authority while urging calm.
For now, Nigerians are being assured that the matter remains under control and that all actions are being taken within the framework of military law and due process as the country continues to navigate concerns about internal security and stability.
