Chief of Defense Staff, (CDS) Olufemi Oluyede
Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that sixteen officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) are to face military trial following the conclusion of investigations into allegations of indiscipline, including plots to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said investigations into the officers, who were arrested in October 2025, have been completed and forwarded to the appropriate superior authorities in line with existing 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.
According to the DHQ, the investigation was comprehensive and conducted strictly in line with established military procedures, with careful examination of the circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.
“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 military disclosed.
Following the outcome of the investigation, the DHQ said officers found to have cases to answer would be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels.
“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations,” the statement added.
The military stressed that the action being taken is strictly disciplinary and forms part of internal institutional mechanisms aimed at preserving order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the armed forces.
“The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks,” the DHQ said.
Reaffirming its loyalty to democratic governance, the Armed Forces emphasized its commitment to constitutional authority, professionalism and due process.
“The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” the statement concluded.
