Isaac Samuel
The Nigerian military has confirmed that some of its personnel attempted to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government in October 2025.
Reports had suggested that last year’s Independence Day parade, scheduled for October 1, was abruptly cancelled due to an alleged coup plot by members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
Sixteen officers were arrested in connection with the incident.
On Monday, Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Information at the Defence Headquarters, provided an update on the investigation, stating that a number of the officers had been identified with allegations of planning to overthrow the government.
He confirmed that those implicated would be “formally arraigned before the appropriate military judicial panel to face trial.”
Uba recalled that the Defence Headquarters had issued a statement in October 2025 regarding the arrest of the officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
The statement said, “It would be 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. 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. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.
“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. The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” the statement read.
