DHQ Confirms Plot to Overthrow Tinubu, Officers to Face Court Martial

 

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that some military officers were involved in a plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, putting to rest months of speculation over an alleged coup attempt.

Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying investigations conducted by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) had identified officers with cases to answer.

According to him, those implicated would be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

The confirmation comes months after reports emerged in October 2025 linking the sudden cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade to an alleged coup plot.

At the time, the Federal Government had announced the cancellation of the October 1 parade without detailed explanations, triggering widespread speculation. The DHQ initially dismissed the reports, insisting that the decision had no connection with any coup attempt and that the arrest of some officers was unrelated.

However, Patriotic Insights News later reported on October 31, 2025, that no fewer than 16 military officers were arrested in the first week of the month over the alleged plot, while two others were said to be on the run.

In the latest statement, Uba said investigations into the matter had now been concluded and the findings forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.

“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel,” he said.

“The findings 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.”

He added that the disciplinary actions were part of internal mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the military.

Uba assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain committed to professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority, stressing that due process would be followed in handling the cases.