Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has announced that sixteen officers arrested last October for acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations will now face formal trial, with several accused of plotting to overthrow the government.
In a press statement released on Monday, 26 January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that a comprehensive investigation into the conduct of the personnel has been concluded. The findings, according to the statement, identified allegations against a number of the officers that are “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards” of the military.
Major General Samaila Uba, the Director of Defence Information, stated that the investigation process followed established military procedures. The report has now been forwarded to the “appropriate superior authority” in line with existing regulations.
“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before [an] appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations,” the statement read. It emphasised that this step ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.
The AFN sought to frame the actions as a routine disciplinary matter, integral to maintaining order and operational effectiveness. “The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks,” General Uba noted.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the military’s “resolute” commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority.
The officers were initially detained in October 2025, with the military pledging a thorough inquiry. The latest development confirms the gravity of the allegations and moves the process into a judicial phase, signalling the armed forces’ intent to address the claims through its internal legal framework.
