The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that military personnel indicted over alleged misconduct—including claims of plotting to overthrow the government—will face trial before appropriate military judicial panels.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Sources say President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence in the Armed Forces to manage the matter in accordance with the law.

The announcement follows calls by a pro-democracy group for the government to consider the welfare of the detained officers. Sixteen personnel were arrested in October 2025 for breaches of service regulations and indiscipline. Earlier reports linked the arrests to secret meetings aimed at toppling the government and the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade, though the former Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau (retd.), described it as an internal disciplinary matter.

Investigation Concluded
Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, the current Director of Defence Information, said the comprehensive probe has been completed in line with military procedures, and the report forwarded to the appropriate authorities. The investigation identified several officers with cases to answer, including allegations of plotting against the government.

“The findings revealed officers involved in actions inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Uba stated. He added that those implicated will be arraigned before military judicial panels under the Armed Forces Act, ensuring accountability while upholding fairness and due process.

Villa Security Breach
Sources told The PUNCH that the alleged plot involved infiltrating the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Some of the officers reportedly conducted surveillance, assessed security systems, and identified vulnerabilities. Investigators are also examining the role of Julius Berger, the firm maintaining the Villa, after claims that some staff may have been compromised to grant the plotters access.

A Presidential Villa security source said, “The coup plotters compromised the Villa, accessed security installations, and identified vulnerabilities.”

In October 2025, intelligence flagged unusual activities around the Villa, prompting heightened monitoring. Sources emphasized that the President will not interfere with the military justice process.

“The report confirms there was a planned coup, and the military will act according to the law,” a source said, adding that authorities delayed immediate action to ensure thorough investigations, seal security gaps, and identify all participants.

Officials are now reviewing internal security protocols, especially concerning contractors and staff with access to critical areas, to prevent further breaches.