Military says officers planned coup, to court-martial 16 personnel

The Nigerian Armed Forces says some military officers will soon be court martialled for alleged plot to overthrow the government.

The Director of Media defence headquarters, Major General, Samaila Uba, said that the trial is in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

He recalled that 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.

“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”, he said

In October 4, 2025, the then Director of Defence Information,Tukur Gusau said the arrest of the 16 officers followed a routine military exercise and was related solely to indiscipline and breach of service regulations.

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, also dismissed reports of a coup plot during an appearance on TVC News on October 28.

The detained officers include one Brigadier-General, one Colonel, four Lieutenant Colonels, five Majors, two Captains, a Lieutenant, one Lieutenant Commander of the Nigerian Navy and a Squadron Leader of the Nigerian Air Force.

It was learnt that 12 of the officers are from the Infantry Corps, while others are drawn from the Signals Corps, Ordnance Corps, the Navy and the Air Force.

Among them is Musa Abubakar Sadiq (Brigadier-General) an infantry officer from Nasarawa State and a member of NDA Regular Course 44, who is suspected to have played a central role in the alleged plot.

Other officers listed in the report include M.A. Ma’aji (Colonel); S. Bappah (Lieutenant Colonels), A.A. Hayatu, M. Al-Makura and Dangnap; and several Majors and junior officers whose service histories span various operational and administrative roles within the Armed Forces.