CRIME
AFN Concludes Investigation of 16 Officers, Forwards Report to Superior Authority
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has concluded investigations into the disciplinary cases involving sixteen officers earlier arrested over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
The Defence Headquarters had, in October 2025, announced the arrest of the officers following allegations of misconduct. In an update issued on Monday, the military disclosed that the comprehensive investigation process has now been completed and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.
According to the AFN, the investigation was conducted in strict adherence to established military procedures and thoroughly examined the circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.
Findings from the probe reportedly identified some of the officers as being linked to allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, an act described as inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces.
The military authorities stated that officers found to have cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.
The AFN emphasized that the actions being taken are purely disciplinary in nature and form part of the institution’s internal mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, the Armed Forces noted that it remains resolute in upholding the highest standards of loyalty, discipline and respect for constitutional authority.
The update was signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, on January 26, 2026.
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PRESS RELEASE
UPDATE ON DISCIPLINARY CASES INVOLVING SIXTEEN OFFICERS INVESTIGATED FOR INDISCIPLINE, BREACH OF SERVICE REGULATIONS
It would be recalled that the Defence Headquarters issued a press statement in October 2025 regarding the arrest of sixteen officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.
The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel. The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.
Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.
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. The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority.
SAMAILA UBA
Major General
Director, Defence Information
26 January 2026