Nigerian Military Confirms Attempted Coup, 16 Officers To Be Court-Martialed

About three months after it denied reports of a failed coup, the Nigerian military, yesterday, confirmed that the findings of an investigation into the conduct of 16 detained officers had linked them to an attempted coup to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The announcement followed revelations that a number of officers were under scrutiny for indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

In a statement, the military emphasised that the officers found to have substantial evidence against them would be formally arraigned before a military judicial panel, where they would face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other relevant service regulations.

Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, revealed the outcome of the investigation panel in a statement titled, “Update on Disciplinary Cases Involving Sixteen Officers Investigated For Indiscipline, Breach Of Service Regulations.”

Uba reminded the public that in October 2025, the Defence Headquarters had released a statement detailing the arrest of 16 officers accused of indiscipline and violations of military codes.

Uba said, in the statement yesterday, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have now concluded, and the final report has been submitted to the appropriate superior authorities for further action, as per established military regulations.”

He stated that the investigation was conducted meticulously, adhering to military’s rigorous procedures, adding that it thoroughly examined the actions of the officers involved and the circumstances surrounding the alleged coup attempt.

He explained that the findings revealed that several officers were implicated in the plot to destabilise the government, an action clearly at odds with the values, ethics, and professional standards upheld by the AFN.

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