Some officers will be detained and put on trial for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government, according to the Nigerian Armed Forces.
READ MORE: The military detains 16 officers for indiscipline and service violations.
It stated in a statement that it was in compliance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service rules issued by Samaila Uba, the director’s major general.
The Defence Headquarters issued a press release in October 2025 regarding the arrest of sixteen officers for a series of arbitrary and service-related violations. The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to inform the general public that, in accordance with current laws, the investigation has been concluded and the report has been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military practices, thoroughly examined the circumstances surrounding the actions of the affected personnel.
According to the findings, several of the officers have been accused of plotting to overthrow the government, which is against the AFN’s code of ethics, values, and professional standards.
The statement states that the actions being taken are solely disciplinary and are a part of ongoing institutional efforts to maintain order.
“In accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to go to trial.” This upholds the principles of fairness and due process while maintaining accountability.
The AFN once more insists that the actions being taken are solely disciplinary and are a result of ongoing institutional efforts to maintain order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks. The armed forces continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority, the statement continued.
Soldiers’ Arrest
More than three months after it was revealed in October 2025 that 16 officers had been detained for alleged indiscipline violations and service regulations, the most recent military action was announced.
It explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the officers’ actions were connected to concerns about stagnant career advancement and repeated failures in promotion exams.
The Directorate of Defense Information described the conduct of the affected officers as being insufficiently ethical for the military in a statement released by the directorate.
Additionally, it was noted that some of the officers were awaiting court proceedings or were facing trial for various offenses.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria would like to inform the general public that sixteen officers were arrested during a routine military exercise due to discipline and service-related violations. Investigations have revealed that, among other things, their grievances largely stemmed from the perception that their careers were stagnant as a result of repeated failures to pass promotions.
“The Armed Forces will not tolerate conduct that violates the institution’s sanctity or threatens its constitutional authority,” the statement read. The statement’s portion reads, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria continue to fulfill their constitutional obligations and will continue to be professional at all times.”
Cancellation of the Parade
Following months of rumors about an attempt to overthrow the Federal Government, which was linked to the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade, the planned military trial also came about.
A report from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) earlier was refuted by the Defense Intelligence Agency, alleging that the agency had taken 16 military officers into custody over alleged involvement in covert meetings to plot a coup against the government.
The parade was canceled in order for President Bola Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside of the nation and for AFN members to maintain momentum in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
“The legislature, judiciary, and the Federal Government are working closely together to ensure the country’s safety, development, and well-being,” the statement read. Democracies will always be there.
Under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the armed forces of Nigeria continue to adhere to the Constitution and the Federal Government, according to a statement released by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, director of defense information, in October.
Raid On An Ex-Gov’s Resident
However, Timipre Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State, was reportedly the subject of an alleged coup plot when soldiers from the Nigerian Army stormed his Abuja residence in the same month.
A special military team was responsible for carrying out the operation, according to numerous security sources.
The former minister of state for petroleum resources was reportedly linked to a number of secret meetings with some of the detained military officers who were allegedly plotting to overthrow the government by intelligence reports.
According to a top security official with knowledge of the development, the operation also included Sylva’s Bayelsa home, where his brother, one Paga, was detained.
“The special team of the Nigerian Army allegedly fled Nigeria and raided Timipre Sylva’s home.
“He is the former governor of South America who is frequently mentioned in the case.” According to the source, his brother, Paga, was found during the raid.
Demand made by the opposition
In response, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) demanded that the Federal Government immediately ascertain the true nature of the alleged coup plot involving the detained military officers.
In a statement signed by Bolaji Abdullahi, the government’s national publicity secretary, the organization expressed concern about “conflicting signals,” noting that the Defence Headquarters had consistently denied ever mentioning a coup plot despite widespread media reports that were contrary to what they claimed.
The military has repeatedly denied that there was a threat to the government, which is “particularly concerning” the federal government’s decision to not categorize a statement on this extremely serious matter.
