By Staff Reporter
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that some serving officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces were involved in an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The configuration brings to an end months of speculations that followed the arrest of several military personnel in October 2025.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military disclosed that investigations into the matter have been concluded and that a number of the detained officers now have case to answer for actions it described as “inconsistent with military values and constitutional loyalty.”
According to the DHQ, the implicated officers will be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels in line with the Armed Forces Act and other extant regulations.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain apolitical, professional and loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any action that undermines this sacred duty will not be tolerated,” the statement read.
The confirmation marks a dramatic reversal of the military’s earlier position in October 2025, when reports first emerged alleging a coup plot following the arrest of about 16 officers and the sudden cancellation of Nigeria’s Independence Day military parade.
At the time, the DHQ dismissed the reports as false and misleading, insisting that the officers were being investigated for indiscipline and breaches of service regulations rather than for any political conspiracy.
However, after months of internal probes, the military now says its findings uncovered credible links between some of the detained officers and actions capable of undermining national security and democratic governance.
The DHQ also stated that, the full investigation report has been submitted to the appropriate authorities, including President Tinubu and the military high command, and that judicial processes will now take their course.
Security sources said the officers are being processed for trial under military law, with expected charges including mutiny, insubordination, and conduct prejudicial to service discipline.
The military leadership has reaffirmed its loyalty to President Tinubu and the democratically elected government, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain firmly committed to defending the nation’s democracy.
“The Armed Forces will continue to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity and democratic institutions,” the statement added.
The development has sparked widespread reactions nationwide, with analysts describing it as one of the most serious internal security challenges faced by the Tinubu administration since taking office.
Civil society groups and security experts have called for transparency, swift justice, and far-reaching institutional reforms to prevent any future threats to Nigeria’s democratic order.
As the military prepares to commence court-martial proceedings, Nigerians await further details on the case and the outcome of a process that could redefine civil–military relations in the country.
Those reportedly detained in connection with the alleged plot include:
Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq as suspected leader and Colonel M. A. Ma’aji – alleged coordinator.
Others are: Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah,
Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu,
Lieutenant Colonel P. Dangnap,
Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura,
Major A. J. Ibrahim,
Major M. M. Jiddah,
Major M. A. Usman,
Major D. Yusuf,
Major I. Dauda,
Captain Ibrahim Bello,
Captain A. A. Yusuf,
Lieutenant S. S. Felix,
Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi (Navy), as well as Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu (Air Force).
The Armed Forces are expected to release more details as the judicial process unfolds.
