The Defence Headquarters said investigations into 16 officers earlier detained for acts of indiscipline and violations of service rules have been completed. The process was carried out under existing military procedures, and the outcome has now been forwarded to senior authorities for further action in line with military laws.
According to the military, the inquiry reviewed the conduct and activities of the affected officers across different units of the Armed Forces. The findings showed that while the initial arrests were linked to breaches of service regulations, evidence later pointed to alleged involvement by some officers in activities considered incompatible with loyalty to constitutional authority.
The Defence Headquarters explained that officers found to have questions to answer would face trial before appropriate military panels. These proceedings, it said, would be conducted under the Armed Forces Act and other relevant service rules governing discipline and conduct.
The military maintained that the steps being taken are part of internal disciplinary processes aimed at maintaining order, obedience, and effectiveness within the ranks. It also restated its commitment to professionalism, loyalty to the constitution, and respect for civilian authority.
The development follows reports from October 2025 when several officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force were arrested in Abuja. At the time, authorities dismissed claims of a coup plot and described the arrests as routine disciplinary actions. However, further intelligence reviews and interrogations reportedly uncovered deeper issues beyond standard misconduct.
Security sources later revealed that the Defence Intelligence Agency submitted a detailed report of its findings to President Tinubu after months of investigations. The report reportedly marked the end of the probe and opened the way for decisions on prosecution.
Concerns have also been raised by families of some detained officers, who alleged poor detention conditions, prolonged isolation, and lack of access to legal counsel. Reports also surfaced that a number of the officers fell ill while in custody, leading to public attention on their treatment.
The matter has drawn wider political attention following reports of security operatives visiting the Abuja residence of a former minister in connection with the investigation. The former official acknowledged the visit but denied any link to the case.
With the military now confirming that allegations of plotting against the government formed part of the investigation, the planned trials are expected to determine the next phase of the case and the fate of the officers involved.