In a major development that is drawing intense attention both at home and abroad, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters has confirmed that 16 military officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria will be formally tried before a military court over accusations that they were involved in an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2025.
The announcement on Monday, January 26, 2026 follows an internal investigation by a special panel appointed by the Defence Headquarters. The panel concluded its inquiry into the conduct of the officers, who were initially detained in October 2025 for what the military first described as “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.”
Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, said the probe found evidence that several of the officers’ actions were “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” and that those involved now have “cases to answer” before a military Court Martial under established military law and procedures.
Full List of Affected Officers Facing Trial
The Defence Headquarters has released the full names and ranks of the 16 indicted officers, representing various branches of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force. Most are drawn from the Infantry, Signals and Ordnance Corps, reflecting a range of operational and communication roles within the armed forces.
Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (Nasarawa, 44th Regular Course)
Colonel M. A. Ma’aji (Niger, 47th Regular Course)
Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah (Bauchi, 56th Regular Course)
Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu (Kaduna, 56th Regular Course)
Lieutenant Colonel Dangnan (Plateau, 56th Regular Course)
Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura (Nasarawa, 56th Regular Course)
Major A. J. Ibrahim (Gombe, 56th Regular Course)
Major M. M. Jiddah (Katsina, 56th Regular Course)
Major M. A. Usman (Federal Capital Territory, 60th Regular Course)
Major D. Yusuf (Gombe, 59th Regular Course)
Major I. Dauda (Jigawa, DSSC 38)
Captain I. Bello (DSSC 43)
Captain A. A. Yusuf
Lieutenant S. S. Felix (DSSC)
Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi (Nigerian Navy)
Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu (Nigerian Air Force)
More Cool Stuff
The officers were arrested nearly four months ago amid concerns within the Defence Headquarters about breaches of military regulations. At the time, authorities had played down speculation of a coup, calling such reports “false and misleading” and urging the public to disregard misinformation circulating on social media.
However, the recent announcement marks the first official acknowledgement from military leadership that the investigation uncovered actions serious enough to warrant court-martial proceedings, including allegations related to plotting to overthrow a constitutionally elected government.
Major General Uba stressed that the proceedings against the officers are part of existing disciplinary and institutional mechanisms designed to preserve internal order, cohesion and operational effectiveness within the Armed Forces, reiterating the military’s commitment to professionalism and loyalty to Nigeria’s democratic order.
Analysts say the decision to move forward with military trials has profound implications for Nigeria’s democratic stability, particularly as the region has seen several coups and attempted coups in recent years. Although Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999, its history includes numerous interventions by military leaders between the 1960s and early 1990s, making any suggestion of a coup plot politically sensitive.
Political observers are watching closely to see how the court-martial unfolds, noting that the outcome could influence public confidence in both the military and the Tinubu administration. The proceedings also come at a time when Nigerians are facing continuing economic and security challenges, intensifying public interest in how governance and rule of law are upheld in moments of internal crisis.
As the military court prepares to hear the cases, authorities have reassured Nigerians that due process and fairness will be strictly observed, aiming to balance accountability with the need to uphold constitutional order and national stability.
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