Nigerian Military Confirms Coup Link in Probe of 16 Detained Officers

Says trial process will follow fairness, due process

Insists move is to protect professionalism and operational strength

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja

The Nigerian Armed Forces have confirmed that an internal investigation has uncovered evidence linking some of the 16 detained officers to an alleged plot aimed at toppling the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

This confirmation comes nearly three months after the military publicly dismissed reports suggesting a failed coup, insisting at the time that the officers were being held strictly for acts of indiscipline and violations of service rules.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, disclosed that the investigation panel set up by Defence Headquarters has completed its assignment and submitted its final report to the appropriate authorities.

According to Uba, officers against whom substantial evidence was established would now face formal trial before a military judicial panel, in line with the Armed Forces Act and other relevant regulations governing military conduct.

He recalled that in October 2025, the Defence Headquarters announced the arrest of 16 officers over alleged breaches of military codes, assuring Nigerians that a thorough and transparent investigation would be carried out.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded, and the report has been forwarded to superior authorities for necessary action, in accordance with established military procedures,” the statement read.

Uba explained that the probe was conducted with strict adherence to military investigative standards, carefully examining both the conduct of the officers and the circumstances surrounding the alleged attempt to undermine the government.

The findings, he said, indicated that several of the officers were involved in activities considered incompatible with the core values, ethics, and professional obligations of the Nigerian military.

“Those found culpable will be tried by a duly constituted military panel, ensuring accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” Uba stated.

The Armed Forces also stressed that the disciplinary steps being taken are part of broader efforts to safeguard the institution’s integrity and sustain its operational effectiveness.

Reaffirming its loyalty to Nigeria’s constitutional order, the military said it remains committed to professionalism, discipline, and national stability.

“These measures are intended to reinforce discipline and preserve the readiness of the force in line with the AFN’s core principles,” the statement added.

The military had previously rejected claims of a coup attempt, noting then that the detained officers were undergoing routine internal investigation. At the time, the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, said the probe was a standard process to ensure discipline within the ranks and promised that the outcome would be made public upon completion.