The Nigerian military has acknowledged that some of its officers were investigated over an alleged plot to remove President Bola Tinubu from office.
Reports had emerged in October last year that several officers, from the rank of Captain to Brigadier-General, were arrested and detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over an alleged attempt to overthrow the government. At the time, both the Defence Headquarters and the Presidency dismissed claims of a coup plot, even as the allegations were linked to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day Parade.
However, on Monday, fresh reports indicated that a panel set up to investigate the arrested officers had concluded its work and submitted its findings.
Confirming the development in a statement, the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said the investigation report had been forwarded to the “appropriate superior authority” in line with military regulations.
Uba explained that officers found to have a case to answer would be arraigned before the relevant military judicial panel for trial, in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service rules.
According to him, the investigation, carried out through established military procedures, thoroughly examined the circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel and identified some officers whose actions were inconsistent with the ethics and professional standards of the Armed Forces.
He said the decision to make the outcome public was aimed at promoting accountability while ensuring fairness and due process.
Uba added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority, stressing that the measures being taken are strictly disciplinary and part of internal mechanisms to maintain order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the military.