The Nigerian Armed Forces have announced that some officers will be arraigned before a military judicial panel over an alleged plot to overthrow the Federal Government.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, who said the decision was taken in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

“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 statement said. “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 the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”

According to the military, the investigation was comprehensive and conducted strictly in line with established procedures, with all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel thoroughly examined.

“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,” the statement added.

The Armed Forces stressed that the measures being taken were purely disciplinary and formed part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks.

“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before the 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,” it stated.

The military reiterated its commitment to professionalism and constitutional authority, noting that it remained resolute in maintaining the highest standards of loyalty and discipline.

The latest action comes more than three months after the Armed Forces announced, in October 2025, that sixteen officers had been arrested over alleged acts of indiscipline and violations of service regulations.

At the time, the military explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the officers’ actions were linked to frustrations arising from repeated failures in promotion examinations and concerns over stalled career progression.

In a statement issued by the Directorate of Defence Information, the conduct of the affected officers was described as falling short of the standards expected within the military. It further noted that some of the officers were already under investigation for various offences and were either facing trial or awaiting court proceedings.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” the statement read in part. “Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.

“The Armed Forces will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will remain professional at all times.”

The planned military trial also follows months of speculation over an alleged attempt to overthrow the Federal Government, which had been linked to the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade.

However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had earlier dismissed reports claiming that sixteen military officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brig.-Gen., were taken into custody by the Defence Intelligence Agency over alleged involvement in covert meetings to plan a coup.

The DHQ explained that the parade was cancelled to enable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country, and to allow members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustain momentum in ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

“The Federal Government, the legislature, and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development, and well-being of the nation. Democracy is forever,” the military said.

It added: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”