A group of Nigerian military officers are expected to appear before a military court following allegations that they were involved in “plotting to overthrow the government” of President Bola Tinubu last year, according to a statement from the armed forces.
Sixteen officers were taken into custody in October over what authorities initially described as “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.”
At the time, the military dismissed speculation of an attempted coup. However, after the conclusion of an internal investigation, the armed forces have now confirmed that some of the detained officers will be arraigned before a military judicial panel.
Military Confirms Link To Alleged Coup Plot
Nearly three months after denying reports of a failed coup, the Nigerian military has confirmed that an investigation into the conduct of 16 detained officers has established links between some of them and an attempted plot to topple the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
This confirmation followed earlier disclosures that several officers were being investigated for acts of indiscipline and violations of service regulations.
In a statement, the military noted that officers against whom substantial evidence had been found would be formally charged and tried before a military judicial panel, in line with the Armed Forces Act and applicable service regulations.
The Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, disclosed the outcome of the investigation panel in a statement titled, “Update on Disciplinary Cases Involving Sixteen Officers Investigated For Indiscipline, Breach Of Service Regulations.”
Uba recalled that in October 2025, Defence Headquarters had announced the arrest of 16 officers accused of indiscipline and breaches of military codes.
In a statement issued yesterday, Uba said, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have now concluded, and the final report has been submitted to the appropriate superior authorities for further action, as per established military regulations.”
He explained that the investigation was carried out thoroughly and in strict compliance with military procedures, noting that it carefully examined the conduct of the officers and the circumstances surrounding the alleged coup attempt.
According to him, the findings showed that several officers were implicated in actions aimed at destabilising the government conduct that runs contrary to the ethics, values and professional standards of the AFN.
The AFN further explained that the disciplinary measures underway form part of a broader effort to safeguard the integrity and operational effectiveness of the armed forces.
“In line with the AFN’s core principles, the measures currently in progress are designed to reinforce discipline and preserve the operational readiness of the force,” Uba said.
He added that the military’s firm stance on upholding constitutional authority reflects its dedication to national stability and to ensuring that all personnel operate within the bounds of their duties and service regulations.
Nigeria’s History Of Coups And Military Trials
Nigeria has a long and turbulent history of military coups both successful and unsuccessful dating back to shortly after independence in 1960. These episodes were often followed by swift military tribunals, leading to executions, lengthy prison sentences, or, in cases of successful coups, the entrenchment of new military regimes.
The first major coup attempt occurred on 15 January 1966 and was led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and other officers. The violent uprising resulted in the deaths of several senior politicians and military officers. Although the coup plotters failed to take control of the entire country, the ensuing instability allowed Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi to assume power. The arrested plotters were not immediately executed, a decision that later fuelled ethnic resentment and contributed to the July 1966 counter-coup.
On 29 July 1966, a counter-coup led by northern officers violently overthrew the Ironsi government. The uprising resulted in the killing of Ironsi and ultimately brought General Yakubu Gowon to power.
Nearly a decade later, on 29 July 1975, a bloodless coup led by Brigadier Murtala Muhammed and other senior officers ousted General Yakubu Gowon while he was abroad. This transition ushered in a reformist military administration.
An abortive coup on 13 February 1976, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Bukar Suka Dimka, resulted in the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed. Following the failed attempt, about 125 people were arrested. In March 1976, 32 individuals including Dimka and the then defence minister, Major-General Illiya D. Bisalla, were executed by firing squad.
On 31 December 1983, General Muhammadu Buhari led a successful coup that ended the Second Republic under President Shehu Shagari. The takeover was swift and largely bloodless, although Brigadier Ibrahim Bako was killed during the operation.
This was followed by the 27 August 1985 “palace coup,” in which Major-General Ibrahim Babangida overthrew the Buhari government, accusing it of rigidity and poor governance.
In 1986, a coup plot allegedly involving Major-General Mamman Vatsa was uncovered during Babangida’s rule. A military tribunal convicted Vatsa and several others of treason, and in March 1986, 10 officers, including Vatsa, were executed by firing squad.
Another violent attempt occurred on 22 April 1990 when Major Gideon Orkar led an abortive coup against the Babangida government. The aftermath produced the largest execution of coup plotters in Nigeria’s history, with 42 convicted individuals both officers and civilians executed by firing squad in July 1990.
On 17 November 1993, General Sani Abacha carried out a “palace coup” that forced the interim president, Ernest Shonekan, to resign, plunging the country back into authoritarian rule.
In 1995, Abacha’s government announced it had foiled what later became known as the “phantom coup.” Forty individuals were convicted, including former Head of State Olusegun Obasanjo and his deputy, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua. They were initially sentenced to death, though the sentences were later commuted to long-term imprisonment.
Another alleged coup surfaced in December 1997, when Abacha accused his deputy, Lieutenant-General Oladipo Diya, and others of plotting against him. A special military tribunal sentenced Diya and five others to death by firing squad. However, following Abacha’s sudden death in June 1998, they were granted state pardons and released by General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
In 2004, during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, rumours emerged of an alleged plot involving Hamza al-Mustapha, though details of the case remained largely unclear and no major public trials followed.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s extensive history of military interventions in governance particularly between 1966 and 1993 has made allegations of coup plotting highly sensitive.
While it remains unclear how many of the 16 detained officers will ultimately face trial, military authorities have assured the public that the process will uphold accountability and respect “the principles of fairness and due process.”
A statement further noted that any attempt to unseat an elected government is “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards” of the armed forces.
Nigeria has enjoyed uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999, and the military has repeatedly reaffirmed its loyalty to democratic governance, frequently issuing public statements underscoring its commitment to civilian authority.
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