Finally, military confirms coup plot against Tinubu

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially confirmed that some of its officers plotted to unseat President Bola Tinubu.

In October 2025, the DHQ disclosed the arrest of 16 officers for acts of indiscipline and breaches of military regulations. The officers, ranging from captain to brigadier general, were detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) after being accused of plotting to destabilize the government.

Reports linked the arrests to secret meetings held by the officers. Reports also suggested that the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade was connected to the alleged coup attempt.

At the time, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the then director of defence information, dismissed the claims, describing the reports as an attempt to sow discord and mistrust among Nigerians.

He said that the matter was a disciplinary issue and would be handled internally within the military.

However, on Monday, Major General Samaila Uba, the new director of defence information, provided an update, revealing that a thorough investigation had been conducted in line with established military procedures.

Uba confirmed that the investigation had concluded, with the findings implicating several officers in plotting against the government.

The defence spokesperson said those with cases to answer would be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

According to him: “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.

“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.

“The findings have identified a number of the 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.

“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.

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