The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that 16 military officers arrested in October 2025 are linked to an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, following the conclusion of a special investigative panel. The officers, drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, will face trial before military judicial panels for serious breaches of service regulations, including allegations of coup plotting.
In a statement released on Monday, Director of Defence Information Major General Samaila Uba announced that the investigation into the officers conduct had been completed and the final report submitted to appropriate authorities. “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 Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Uba stated.
The 16 officers were initially detained in October 2025 over what the military described as “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.” At the time, the DHQ dismissed widespread media reports and rumors of a foiled coup attempt, insisting the arrests were unrelated to any overthrow plans. However, the latest update marks a significant reversal, officially acknowledging the coup allegations for the first time.
The indicted officers include a mix of senior and mid-level ranks:

• One Brigadier General
• One Colonel
• Four Lieutenant Colonels
• Five Majors
• Two Captains
• One Lieutenant
• One Lieutenant Commander (Nigerian Navy)
• One Squadron Leader (Nigerian Air Force)
  Fourteen of the officers are from the Nigerian Army, with one each from the Navy and Air Force. Credible sources and media reports have identified several by name, including:
• Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (Nasarawa State, 44th Regular Course), believed by some accounts to be a key figure in the alleged plot
• Colonel M. A. Ma’aji (Niger State, 47th Regular Course)
• Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah (Bauchi State, 56th Regular Course)
• Lieutenant Colonel P. Dangnap
• Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu
• Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura
• Major A. J. Ibrahim
• Major M. M. Jiddah
• Major M. A. Usman
  (Additional names and profiles have circulated in local media, though the DHQ has not publicly released a full official list in its statement.)
  The investigation was reportedly supported by agencies including the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), with some reports linking financial transactions including funds allegedly tied to a former governor to the plot. However, the military’s official statement focused on breaches of military ethics and did not detail specific evidence, plans, or external collaborators.
  Those found culpable will be arraigned before military judicial panels in accordance with the Armed Forces Act. If convicted of coup-related offenses, the officers could face severe penalties, including the death penalty under Nigerian military law.
  The development comes amid heightened regional concerns over military interventions in West Africa, following a series of successful coups in neighboring countries. Nigeria has maintained civilian rule since 1999, and President Tinubu who assumed office in 2023 underwent a major military leadership reshuffle in late 2025 aimed at strengthening security operations against insurgency, banditry, and other threats.
  The case has sparked debates over military loyalty, career grievances (including perceived stagnation), and political stability under the Tinubu administration. Opposition figures and civil society groups have called for transparency in the proceedings, while supporters of the government view the swift action as a demonstration of resolve against any threats to democracy.
  No trial dates have been announced, and the DHQ emphasized that only those with established cases will proceed to formal arraignment. The remaining officers may face lesser disciplinary actions or release, depending on the evidence.
  As the nation awaits further details, the incident underscores ongoing challenges in balancing military discipline with Nigeria’s democratic framework in a volatile regional context.