Nigeria’s military authorities have moved to the prosecution phase in a sensitive internal security case, naming 16 serving officers who are expected to appear before military judicial panels over serious breaches of service rules, including an alleged plot against President Bola Tinubu’s government.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed that the arrests followed an internal investigation into acts described as grave misconduct and violations of military ethics, stressing that the matter was handled strictly within established command structures.
Speaking on the outcome of the probe, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the investigative panel had completed its assignment and determined that several of the officers had questions to answer.
According to him, the affected personnel would be subjected to court-martial proceedings in line with military law and existing regulations. He noted that due process would be followed throughout the trials.
“These actions clearly fall short of the discipline, loyalty and professionalism demanded of every member of the Armed Forces,” Uba said.
“The military institution will not compromise its values or tolerate conduct capable of undermining national stability.”
According to the Vanguard, details released by the DHQ revealed the identities, ranks and states of origin of the officers scheduled for trial. They are:
Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (Nasarawa, 44th Regular Course)
Colonel M. A. Ma’aji (Niger, 47th Regular Course)
Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah (Bauchi, 56th Regular Course)
Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu (Kaduna, 56th Regular Course)
Lieutenant Colonel Dangnan (Plateau, 56th Regular Course)
Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura (Nasarawa, 56th Regular Course)
Major A. J. Ibrahim (Gombe, 56th Regular Course)
Major M. M. Jiddah (Katsina, 56th Regular Course)
Major M. A. Usman (Federal Capital Territory, 60th Regular Course)
Major D. Yusuf (Gombe, 59th Regular Course)
Major I. Dauda (Jigawa, DSSC 38)
Captain I. Bello (DSSC 43)
Captain A. A. Yusuf
Lieutenant S. S. Felix (DSSC)
Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi (Nigerian Navy)
Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu (Nigerian Air Force)
Moreover, an internal breakdown of the list shows that a significant number of the indicted officers are drawn from the Infantry, Signals and Ordnance Corps, alongside personnel from the Navy and Air Force.
Military sources say the trials are expected to commence once preliminary legal procedures are concluded.