The Nigerian military has officially confirmed that some of its officers were involved in a plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking the first formal admission by the Armed Forces after months of speculation and official silence.
The confirmation followed the conclusion of an internal investigation into allegations that surfaced in October 2025, when reports emerged that several serving officers—ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier-General—were arrested and detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over an alleged coup plot against the civilian government.
On Monday, Daily Trust reported that the investigative panel set up to probe the matter had completed its assignment and submitted its findings to President Tinubu.
Shortly after the submission, the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, issued a statement confirming that the probe had been concluded and forwarded to what he described as the “appropriate superior authority” in line with military regulations.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations,” Uba said.
According to the military spokesman, the panel conducted a thorough and detailed investigation, strictly adhering to established military procedures, to examine the conduct of the affected personnel and the circumstances surrounding the alleged plot.
He disclosed that the findings identified several officers whose actions were inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces.
“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 AFN,” the statement said.
Uba further announced that officers found to have a case to answer would be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels and tried under the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.
“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations,” he added.
He explained that making the development public was intended to promote transparency, accountability, and public confidence, while ensuring fairness and due process within the military justice system.
Uba stressed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to professionalism, loyalty to constituted authority, and the protection of Nigeria’s democratic order.
Military Confirms Coup Plot, Officers Face Court Martial
