Nigeria’s Military Moves to Try Officers Accused of Plotting Against Tinubu

Nigeria’s military has officially confirmed that several of its officers were involved in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government and will now be formally charged and tried. This follows an internal investigation into the conduct of 16 serving officers detained late last year.

The Defence Headquarters said a special investigative panel concluded its probe into allegations of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations, finding that some of the officers’ actions were inconsistent with military ethics and may have included plans to destabilise the government.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major‑General Samaila Uba, explained that the completed report has been forwarded to appropriate superior authorities in line with military rules and regulations. Officers with cases to answer will be arraigned before military judicial panels under the Armed Forces Act and other relevant service regulations.

The military emphasised that the actions taken are part of ongoing efforts to uphold discipline, cohesion, and professional standards within its ranks. It reiterated its commitment to loyalty, respect for constitutional authority, and maintaining operational effectiveness.

The investigation began in October 2025 when the officers were arrested amid reports of alleged misconduct. Initial statements from the military and presidency denied any coup attempt, describing the detentions as routine disciplinary matters. But the latest confirmation marks the first formal acknowledgment of allegations linking some officers to an attempt to undermine the civilian government.

Families of the detained officers have raised concerns about the conditions of detention and prolonged lack of access to legal counsel and relatives, adding another dimension to the ongoing case.