Nigerian Military Officers to Face Trial Over Alleged Coup Plot

Military Confirms Coup Plot Allegations

Nigerian military authorities announced on Monday, January 26, 2026, that several officers will face a military judicial panel over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu. This official acknowledgment comes after an investigation into the arrest of 16 officers in October 2025, an incident initially downplayed as 'issues of indiscipline' and 'breaches of service regulations'.

Major General Samaila Uba, the Defence Headquarters spokesperson, stated that investigations have concluded, and the findings 'have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government'. He added that 'Those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panel to face trial'.

Details of the Allegations and Arrests

The 16 officers were initially detained in October 2025. While the military had previously denied reports of a coup plot, sources within the government and military had indicated at the time that the arrests were indeed linked to an attempt to unseat President Tinubu. The alleged plot is also believed to have contributed to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.

Of the officers initially arrested, 14 are from the Nigerian Army, with the remaining two from the Navy and Air Force. Subsequently, more officers and civilians were reportedly arrested in connection with the matter. The military has not yet provided specific details regarding the nature of the alleged plot.

Potential Penalties and Historical Context

Legal experts suggest that officers convicted of plotting to overthrow the government could face the death penalty under military law. No specific trial dates have been announced.

Nigeria has a complex history marked by numerous military takeovers, having spent a significant portion of the 20th century under junta rule. A successful coup would have ended over 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Africa's most populous nation, which transitioned to civilian rule in 1999. Following the initial reports and denials of the coup plot, President Tinubu reshuffled the country's top military leadership.