Nigeria’s military authorities have confirmed that several officers will face trial over allegations they plotted to overthrow the federal government, following the conclusion of an internal investigation.
The Nigeria Defence Headquarters disclosed on Monday that an investigative panel found evidence linking some officers to an alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The announcement follows the arrest of at least 16 military officers in October for what authorities initially described as “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.”
According to military spokesperson Samaila Uba, the investigation revealed conduct inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” Uba said in an official statement.
Officers found culpable will be arraigned before a military judicial panel and tried in accordance with established military procedures. However, authorities did not specify how many of the arrested officers would face prosecution, nor did they disclose their identities.
The Defence Headquarters added that additional measures are being implemented to preserve discipline, order, and operational effectiveness within the military.
The alleged plot has heightened concerns in West Africa, a region already grappling with a wave of coups and attempted coups in recent years. Countries such as Benin and Guinea-Bissau experienced similar incidents late last year, while military takeovers have occurred across both West and Central Africa.
Security analysts note that these developments often follow disputed elections, constitutional crises, worsening insecurity, and growing youth discontent.
Nigeria itself has a history of military interventions in politics, having experienced multiple coups between 1966 and 1993. In recent months, public anxiety has increased amid rising economic hardship, partly linked to government austerity measures.
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