ABUJA — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that the Special Investigative Panel constituted to examine allegations of misconduct and coup-related activities involving 16 officers of the Armed Forces has concluded its work, with the affected personnel set to be tried by court martial.
The DHQ stated that the alleged acts of indiscipline committed by the officers violate established military regulations and standards of conduct.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, explained that the investigation thoroughly reviewed all circumstances surrounding the actions of the officers and established that some of them have cases to answer, including allegations linked to an attempt to unlawfully overthrow the government.
According to him, such conduct runs counter to the ethics, values, and professional expectations of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
He recalled that the Defence Headquarters had earlier, in October 2025, announced the arrest of the 16 officers over allegations of indiscipline and breaches of service rules.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded, and the report has been submitted to the appropriate superior authority in accordance with extant regulations,” the statement said.
Major-General Uba noted that the investigation followed established military procedures and carefully examined all relevant factors surrounding the conduct of the personnel involved.
“The findings identified a number of officers facing allegations bordering on plotting to overthrow the government, an action that is inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the statement added.
The Defence spokesman stressed that the steps being taken are strictly disciplinary in nature and form part of internal mechanisms designed to safeguard discipline, unity, and operational efficiency within the military.
He further explained that the officers will be arraigned in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations to ensure fairness and adherence to due process.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment to professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority, the DHQ assured the public that the proceedings would be conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.
Sources revealed that those in custody include Brigadier General Musa Sadiq (Nasarawa, 44th Regular Course); Colonel M. Ma’aji (Niger, 47th Course); Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah (Bauchi, 56th Course); Lieutenant Colonel A. Hayatu (Kaduna, 56th Course); Lieutenant Colonel Dangnan (Plateau, 56th Course); and Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura (Nasarawa, 56th Course).
Others are Major A. Ibrahim (Gombe, 56th Course); Major M. Jiddah (Katsina, 56th Course); Major M.A. Usman (FCT, 60th Course); Major D. Yusuf (Gombe, 59th Course); Major I. Dauda (Jigawa, DSSC 38); Captain I. Bello (DSSC 43); Captain A. Yusuf; Lieutenant S. Felix (DSSC); Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi of the Navy; and Squadron Leader S. Adamu of the Air Force.
According to sources, most of the officers are drawn from the Infantry, Signals, and Ordnance Corps.
Nigeria’s history of repeated military interventions in governance between 1966 and 1993 has made allegations of coup plotting particularly sensitive, underscoring the gravity with which the Armed Forces treat such accusations.