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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has for the first time publicly acknowledged that elements within the Armed Forces of Nigeria were involved in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, disclosed on Monday that investigations into the conduct of 16 serving officers, initially detained in late 2025, have concluded.
The probe, he said, identified several personnel with credible cases to answer, including accusations related to planning action against the constitutional government.
Uba explained that the proceedings will now transition to formal military judicial panels, where accused officers will face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and applicable service regulations.
The DHQ emphasised that these steps are part of established internal disciplinary mechanisms designed to preserve cohesion, professionalism and operational effectiveness within the ranks.
The admission contrasts sharply with earlier stances by military authorities.
In October 2025, the DHQ categorically refuted online reports linking the officers’ detention to a coup attempt, instead describing their arrest as a routine disciplinary action over breaches of service standards.
At the time, Defence Headquarters officials insisted there was no evidence of any plan to destabilise the government or impede constitutional order.
Human rights advocates and legal experts had previously pressed the military to either release the detained officers or produce substantive evidence of wrongdoing.
In the weeks leading up to this confirmation, prominent practitioners argued that extended detention without charge undermined legal norms and transparency.
This latest development comes amid broader political debate over civil‑military relations in Nigeria.
Observers note that the acknowledgement of a coup plot, after months of public denial, raises urgent questions about discipline within the armed forces and the mechanisms for accountability.
Opposition parties and civil society groups have called on the government to ensure that due process is followed and that the proceedings are transparent.
Officials have reiterated that the Nigerian military remains committed to constitutional governance and loyalty to the democratically elected leadership, framing the disciplinary process as necessary to uphold the integrity of the armed forces.
As the military prepares for judicial action against the accused officers, stakeholders across the political spectrum are expected to scrutinise the proceedings closely, with implications for both national security policy and public confidence in state institutions.