BY GODWIN OBI
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the conclusion of its investigation into alleged misconduct by some military officers, confirming that those indicted over claims of plotting to overthrow the government will be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels.
Military and security sources familiar with the development disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed confidence in the Armed Forces to carry out the trial of the affected officers in line with established laws and procedures.
The announcement comes amid appeals by a pro-democracy group urging the Federal Government to consider the health and welfare of officers detained in connection with the case.
In October 2025, the DHQ disclosed the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. Shortly after, online platform Sahara Reporters alleged that the officers—ranging in rank from Captain to Brigadier General—were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly holding clandestine meetings to topple the government, linking the claims to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.
At the time, the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau (retd.), dismissed the report as an attempt to incite tension and mistrust, insisting that the matter was strictly an internal disciplinary issue. He also disclosed that an investigative panel had been constituted to probe the allegations.
Providing an update on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said a comprehensive investigation had now been concluded in line with established military procedures, and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
According to Uba, the findings identified several officers with cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government—conduct he described as inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
“The Defence Headquarters issued a press statement in October 2025 regarding the arrest of sixteen officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations,” Uba said.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”
He explained that those indicted would be formally arraigned before relevant military judicial panels to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations, stressing that the process would ensure accountability while upholding fairness and due process.
Uba emphasised that the actions being taken were purely disciplinary and formed part of institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the military.
“The AFN remains resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority,” he added.
Villa Security Breach Allegations
Meanwhile, security and military sources revealed that investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that the alleged plotters had infiltrated the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with some identified as serving military officers.
According to the sources, the suspects reportedly conducted surveillance on security installations, assessed vulnerabilities, and perfected plans before the plot was uncovered.
A security source at the Presidential Villa said that the suspects gained access to sensitive areas within the complex. “They accessed the Villa and its security installations and vulnerabilities,” the source said.
Investigators also traced part of the alleged breach to Julius Berger, the construction and maintenance firm responsible for the Presidential Villa. Some staff of the company were reportedly compromised, providing access to restricted areas of the complex.
In October 2025, intelligence reports had flagged unusual activities around the Villa and among some personnel, prompting heightened surveillance by security agencies.
A security official confirmed that President Tinubu would not interfere with the military’s handling of the matter. “The report is already with the President, confirming there was indeed a planned coup, and the military will definitely carry out its action,” the source said, adding that authorities deliberately delayed public disclosure to allow for thorough investigations.
Officials confirmed that all those implicated will face a military tribunal, while security agencies are reviewing internal protocols, particularly those involving contractors and personnel with access to critical facilities.
Health Concerns, Calls for Due Process
In a related development, the Concerned Pro-Democratic Activists of Nigeria appealed to President Tinubu to consider the health and welfare of the detained officers.
Speaking in Lafia, Nasarawa State, the group’s chairman, Yusuf Dauda, claimed that some of the officers had reportedly fallen ill in detention and were being denied adequate medical attention and access to family members.
While condemning any attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government, Dauda urged the authorities to handle the matter with fairness, calling for proper medical care and due process.
He appealed to the Federal Government to either release the officers if there was no case against them or proceed promptly with their arraignment, expressing hope that the appeal would be given due consideration.
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