Defence Headquarters confirms investigation has been concluded, as detained officers face court-martial over alleged coup attempt
The Nigerian military is set to arraign several serving officers who were detained over an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following the conclusion of an internal investigation by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
According to reports, the Armed Forces of Nigeria confirmed that the investigation into the detained officers has been completed, with findings establishing that some of them have cases to answer. The officers were reportedly arrested in October 2025 and have since been held in military custody while investigations were ongoing.
Sources within the military disclosed that the officers will soon be charged before appropriate military judicial panels, including courts-martial, in line with existing military laws and regulations. The DHQ stated that the move is aimed at maintaining discipline, professionalism, and constitutional order within the armed forces.
The development comes amid growing public and legal pressure on the military to either release or formally charge the officers. Human rights advocates and senior lawyers had earlier raised concerns over the prolonged detention of the suspects without trial, calling for due process and respect for their legal rights.
While initial reports surrounding the arrests were shrouded in secrecy, the military had previously denied that the detentions were linked to a coup plot, describing them instead as cases of serious misconduct and breaches of service rules. However, the latest confirmation from the DHQ has linked the investigation to allegations of an attempt to undermine the federal government.
The alleged plot had sparked widespread speculation across the country, particularly after the sudden cancellation of Nigeria’s 2025 Independence Day parade, which heightened fears of instability within the armed forces.
The Nigerian military has assured the public that the arraignment process will be handled transparently and strictly in accordance with the law, reaffirming its loyalty to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
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