Breaking months of speculation and guarded denials, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially confirmed that several military officers are facing allegations of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a definitive statement released on Monday, DHQ spokesperson Samaila Uba announced that a comprehensive internal investigation has concluded. The findings, according to the military high command, have linked a group of personnel to a conspiracy to illegally oust the current democratic administration.

The confirmation marks a significant shift in the military’s official narrative. In October 2025, reports first surfaced regarding the detention of 16 officers comprising 14 from the Nigerian Army and one each from the Navy and Air Force. At the time, the military leadership downplayed the gravity of the arrests, categorizing the investigation as a probe into “indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.”

However, the latest DHQ communique admits the scope of the misconduct was far more severe.

“The findings identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” the statement read, describing such actions as “inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards” of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The military confirmed that additional officers and civilians were swept up in the investigation following the initial arrests. With the probe now complete, the case files have been forwarded to the “appropriate superior authority.” The DHQ outlined that indicted personnel will face formal arraignment before military judicial panels, with trials conducted under the Armed Forces Act and established service regulations.

The military maintains these actions are “purely disciplinary” measures intended to preserve order and constitutional loyalty. In an effort to reassure the public and the international community, the Defence Headquarters emphasized its unwavering stance on the rule of law. The military leadership stressed that the Armed Forces remain “resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism” and total respect for constitutional authority.

The upcoming court martial is expected to be one of the most high profile military trials in Nigeria’s recent democratic history, as the nation watches how the top brass handles internal threats to its 27 year old democracy.