Military To Try Officers Over Alleged Plot To Overthrow Govt

Military To Try Officers Over Alleged Plot To Overthrow Government

The Nigerian Armed Forces has announced that several officers will face trial before a military judicial panel over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government.

This decision, according to the Defence Headquarters, is in line with the Armed Forces Act and other service regulations, underscoring the institution’s commitment to discipline, accountability, and constitutional loyalty.

The development follows investigations into the arrest of sixteen officers in October 2025 for acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. The inquiry revealed that some of these officers were allegedly involved in covert activities inconsistent with military ethics and professional standards.

The Armed Forces emphasized that the measures being taken are purely disciplinary, aimed at preserving order and operational effectiveness within the ranks, while ensuring fairness and due process.

The controversy surrounding the arrests had earlier been linked to frustrations among officers over repeated failures in promotion examinations and stalled career progression. Preliminary findings suggested that these grievances contributed to conduct deemed unacceptable within the military.

While some officers were already under investigation for various offences, the latest revelations pointed to deeper concerns about loyalty and constitutional authority.

Speculation about a coup attempt intensified after the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade, which some reports connected to alleged covert meetings among officers.

The Defence Headquarters, however, dismissed these claims, stating that the parade was cancelled to allow President Bola Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and to enable the Armed Forces to sustain momentum in ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations.

In October 2025, soldiers reportedly raided the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva, following intelligence reports linking him to secret meetings with detained officers. 

Security sources disclosed that the operation extended to Sylva’s Bayelsa home, where his brother was arrested. Sylva himself was said to have fled the country amid the allegations.

The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded clarity from the Federal Government, criticizing what it described as “conflicting signals” from military and government sources. 

The party expressed concern that the government’s silence has allowed coup-related speculation to fester, urging a categorical statement to reassure the public.

Despite the controversy, the Armed Forces reiterated its loyalty to constitutional authority and the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It stressed that the trials are part of institutional mechanisms to uphold discipline and professionalism, while rejecting any behaviour that undermines Nigeria’s democratic framework.

This unfolding situation highlights the delicate balance between military discipline, political stability, and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. 

The trials are expected to serve as a litmus test for the Armed Forces’ resolve to maintain order and safeguard constitutional governance.