The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that some officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces plotted to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, marking an official admission of the alleged coup attempt first reported in October 2025.
The confirmation followed months of speculation after the Federal Government abruptly cancelled the military parade scheduled for October 1, 2025, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, a move that fuelled reports of a coup plot.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, said investigations conducted by the military had been concluded and the report submitted to the appropriate superior authority.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations,” Uba said.
He explained that the comprehensive probe, carried out in accordance with established military procedures, examined the conduct of the affected personnel and identified a number of officers involved in actions inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards of the Armed Forces.
“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 AFN,” the statement added.
According to Uba, officers found to have cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.
“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations,” he said, noting that the process would ensure accountability while upholding fairness and due process.
Reports had earlier indicated that officers ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier-General were arrested and detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over the alleged plot. On October 31, it was reported that 16 officers were arrested in the first week of the month, while two others were said to be on the run.
At the time, the DHQ dismissed claims linking the cancelled Independence Day parade to a coup attempt and also denied that the arrests were connected to any plot against the government.
However, the latest statement confirms that investigations uncovered evidence of a coup plot involving some personnel.
Uba stressed that the actions being taken are purely disciplinary and aimed at preserving order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the military.
“The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks,” he said.
He added that the Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority.
