The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that military personnel implicated in ongoing investigations over alleged misconduct, including an alleged plot to overthrow the government, will be tried before appropriate military judicial panels.
The decision follows the conclusion of a comprehensive internal investigation conducted in line with established military procedures. Security and military sources said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed confidence in the Armed Forces to handle the matter in accordance with the law and will not interfere with the military justice process.
The development comes amid calls by a pro-democracy group urging the Federal Government to consider the health and welfare of officers currently detained in connection with the case.
Recall that in October 2025, the DHQ announced the arrest of 16 military officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. Shortly after, reports emerged alleging that the officers — ranging in rank from captain to brigadier general — were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for holding secret meetings aimed at toppling the government, an allegation linked to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.
At the time, the then Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau (retd.), dismissed the claims as attempts to create tension, describing the matter as a purely internal disciplinary issue and confirming that an investigative panel had been constituted.
Providing an update on Monday, the current Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said the investigation had now been concluded and its report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
According to him, the probe examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel and identified several officers with cases to answer.
“The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Uba said.
He added that the indicted officers would be formally arraigned before relevant military judicial panels in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.
“Those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels to face trial. This process ensures accountability while upholding fairness and due process,” he stated.
Uba stressed that the actions were strictly disciplinary and part of institutional mechanisms designed to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the military.
Meanwhile, security and military sources disclosed that the alleged plot involved a breach of security at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. According to the sources, some of the suspects, identified as serving officers, allegedly gained access to the Villa, conducted surveillance and assessed security installations and vulnerabilities before the plot was uncovered.
Investigators are also reportedly examining the role of Julius Berger, the construction firm responsible for maintaining the Villa, following allegations that some of its staff may have been compromised, granting access to sensitive areas of the complex.
The Presidential Villa, popularly known as Aso Rock, is one of Nigeria’s most secured facilities, guarded by elite military units, intelligence operatives and private contractors. Intelligence reports in October 2025 reportedly flagged unusual activities around the Villa, prompting heightened surveillance.
A security source said President Tinubu would not intervene in the process, noting that the President had been briefed on the findings and had expressed full confidence in the military to administer justice in line with the law.
Authorities also disclosed that security agencies are reviewing internal protocols, particularly concerning contractors and personnel with access to critical areas, to prevent any future breaches.