The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially confirmed that some senior and junior officers arrested in October 2025 were involved in an alleged plot to overthrow the Nigerian government. This confirmation comes months after the military initially described the matter as a routine internal disciplinary issue.
In a statement released on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said investigations into the conduct of 16 officers had been completed. According to him, the findings showed that some of the officers had serious cases to answer, including allegations of plotting to remove the government through unconstitutional means.
The officers, who range in rank from Captain to Brigadier General, were arrested in October 2025 by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). At the time, the DHQ announced their arrest over what it described as acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations, without giving further details.
However, media reports later claimed that the officers were arrested for holding secret meetings aimed at planning a coup. The reports also linked the arrests to the sudden cancellation of Nigeria’s October 1 Independence Day military parade, which raised public concern and speculation across the country.
Reacting to those reports in October, the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, dismissed the coup claims. He said the reports were false and designed to create fear, tension, and mistrust among Nigerians. Gusau stressed that the issue was purely an internal military matter and not related to any attempt to topple the government.
He explained at the time that an investigative panel had been set up to look into the conduct of the officers and assured Nigerians that the process would follow established military procedures. He also promised that the outcome of the investigation would be made public when concluded.
Providing an update several months later, Major General Uba confirmed that the investigation had now been concluded and that its findings were clear. He said the report had been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with military regulations.
“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,” Uba said. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to appropriate superior authority.”
According to him, the investigation was thorough and followed all established military procedures. He said it carefully examined the actions, communications, and activities of the affected officers during the period under review.
“The comprehensive investigation process… has 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,” the statement added.
Uba said officers found to have cases to answer would now face military justice. He explained that they would be formally arraigned before relevant military judicial panels, where they would be tried under the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.
He stressed that the process would ensure accountability while also respecting fairness and due process, which are key principles of military justice.
“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations,” Uba said. “This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.”
The DHQ also sought to reassure Nigerians that the matter was being handled strictly within the framework of military law and discipline. Uba said the steps being taken were not political but part of the military’s internal system for maintaining order and professionalism.
“The Armed Forces reiterate that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks,” he said.
The alleged coup plot has attracted widespread attention because of Nigeria’s history of military takeovers. Between 1966 and 1999, the country experienced several coups and long periods of military rule, which shaped its political and economic development. Since the return to democracy in 1999, successive governments have worked to strengthen civilian control over the military.
Any suggestion of a coup attempt therefore raises public concern and draws strong reactions from both local and international observers. Analysts say the military’s confirmation of the allegations shows an effort to be more transparent and to reassure citizens that democratic order is being protected.
The cancellation of the 2025 Independence Day parade had earlier fueled speculation that something was wrong within the armed forces. Military parades on October 1 are usually a major part of Nigeria’s independence celebrations, showcasing national unity and the strength of the armed forces. The sudden cancellation, without a detailed explanation at the time, led to rumours of internal security threats.
While the DHQ did not officially confirm a direct link between the parade’s cancellation and the alleged plot, the latest admission has given weight to earlier reports that the arrests were connected to serious security concerns.
Major General Uba said the Armed Forces remain committed to loyalty and respect for the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He emphasized that the military would not tolerate actions that threaten national stability or democratic governance.
“The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority,” he said.