DHQ completes probe into alleged coup, confirms officers planned to topple government

By Kunle Sanni –

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that investigations into alleged misconduct involving some senior military officers uncovered claims of a plan to overthrow the government.

In October 2025, the DHQ announced the detention of 16 officers for acts of indiscipline and violations of military regulations. The arrests followed reports by Sahara Reporters on October 18, which alleged that the officers — whose ranks spanned from Captain to Brigadier General — were taken into custody by the Defence Intelligence Agency over claims that they held clandestine meetings aimed at toppling the government. The report also suggested that the alleged plot led to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.

At the time, the DHQ dismissed the report as misleading, describing the investigation as a routine internal disciplinary process. The then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the publication was designed to stir tension and erode public trust, insisting that the matter was being handled internally in line with military procedures.

Providing an update on Monday, the newly appointed Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that a thorough investigation had now been completed. According to him, the probe was conducted in accordance with established military standards and procedures.

Uba said the findings revealed that some of the officers have a case to answer regarding allegations of plotting against the government. He confirmed that the investigation report has been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority for further action.

In a statement, the DHQ noted that the investigative process carefully reviewed all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel and found that the alleged actions of some officers were incompatible with the ethics, values and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Major General Uba added that those indicted will be formally charged before relevant military judicial bodies and tried in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. He emphasised that the process would ensure accountability while strictly observing fairness and due process.