Tag: Nigeria Coup

For months, the whispers refused to die down as questions about what truly happened behind the barracks walls persisted.

Yesterday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed what it once dismissed as mere rumour.

It said investigations into alleged coup plotting within the military have been concluded, with a report submitted on 16 officers arrested for serious service violations, including attempts to overthrow the government.

The DHQ said the report was forwarded to the appropriate superior authority, in line with extant military regulations.

The confirmation was contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Sumaila Uba.

According to the statement, the investigation, conducted strictly in accordance with established military procedures, examined all circumstances surrounding the actions of the affected personnel.

“The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN),” the statement said.

Major General Uba explained that officers found to have cases to answer would be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels.

READ ALSO: ‘Nigeria has not recovered from military rule’

“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” he added.

How the coup story broke

The controversy dates back to October 2025, when reports surfaced alleging that some military officers were involved in a plot to destabilise and possibly overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

At the time, the reports triggered widespread public concern, coming against the backdrop of coups and attempted coups in several West African countries, including Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea.

The military high command swiftly moved to douse tensions.

In an initial response, the Defence Headquarters categorically denied that there was any coup plot, describing media reports of an attempt to overthrow the Federal Government as “baseless” and “misleading.”

However, shortly after the denial, the military announced that 16 officers had been arrested and were facing military justice, not for coup plotting, but for acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

What the military said then

In its October 2025 statement, the DHQ explained that the grievances of the arrested officers stemmed largely from internal issues, particularly perceived career stagnation resulting from repeated failures in promotion examinations, among other service-related complaints.

The military further stated that some of the officers were already under military jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting trial or currently undergoing trial, before their latest arrest.

At the time, the high command was emphatic that the actions taken were purely disciplinary.

“The measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks,” the DHQ said.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, loyalty and constitutional authority, insisting that there was no threat to Nigeria’s democratic order.

A shift from denial to confirmation

Yesterday’s statement by the DHQ marks a significant shift, from outright denial of coup-related allegations to a confirmation that investigations uncovered claims of plotting to overthrow the government among some of the arrested officers.

Despite this, the military maintained that the process remains strictly within the bounds of military law and discipline, not political vendetta.

“The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” the DHQ assured Nigerians.

• Clarifies October 1 parade cancellation

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed a report by an online newspaper alleging a foiled coup attempt by some officers to overthrow the current administration.

It said the claims by the online newspaper are “entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”

Sahara Reporters broke the news of an attempted foiled coup, on Saturday, citing sources and a recent report by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on disciplinary action against some officers as the basis for its report.

The online newspaper’s report widely circulated on social media platforms sparked widespread tension across the country.

However, the military high command, through a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen. Tukur Gusau, stated that the claims by the online newspaper were “entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”

The statement read in part: “The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup.

READ ALSO: Military debunks report of alleged coup to overthrow Tinubu

“The report also made spurious references to the recent DHQ press release announcing the arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.

“The decision regarding the cancellation of 65th independence anniversary parade was to allow Mr President attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the AFN to sustain the momentum on the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.

“Furthermore, the DHQ wishes to reassure Nigerians that the ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks.

“An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public.”

The military high command urged the citizens to continue to provide necessary support to the security agents, assuring that the executive, legislature and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development and well being of the nation.

It also urged citizens to disregard the “falsehood” being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation.”

It assured that the military remains “firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,”

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had on October 4 announced that 16 military officers would face a full military disciplinary process over indiscipline and breach of service regulations.

According to the statement through the Director Defence Information, Brig -Gen. Tukur Gusau, the officers have been arrested, while investigation is still ongoing to determine the gravity of their offences.

The statement reads: “Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.

“Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.

“Upon completion of investigation, indicted officers will face the full military disciplinary process in accordance with established procedures to ensure accountability and preserve professionalism within the Armed Forces.”

While assuring Nigerians that the actions are strictly disciplinary in nature and part of routine efforts to maintain order, discipline, and loyalty within the ranks, the military high command said the “Armed Forces of Nigeria will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority.”

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will remain professional at all times,” the statement said.