CRIME
Military to Arraign Officers Indicted in Alleged Coup Plot as DHQ Concludes Investigation
…as DHQ to Probe Julius Berger Staffs for Been Compromised
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that military personnel indicted following investigations into alleged misconduct, including claims of a plot to overthrow the government, will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels.
Security and military sources confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence in the Armed Forces to handle the matter strictly in line with the law.
The announcement comes amid appeals by a pro-democracy group urging the Federal Government to consider the health and welfare of officers currently detained in connection with the case.
In October 2025, the DHQ announced the arrest of 16 officers for acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. Shortly afterward, Sahara Reporters alleged that the officers, who ranged in rank from captain to brigadier general, had been detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for holding secret meetings aimed at toppling the government. The alleged plot was reportedly linked to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.
At the time, the then Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau (retd.), dismissed the report as an attempt to create tension and distrust, emphasizing that the matter was “a purely internal disciplinary issue.” He noted that an investigative panel had been constituted and promised that its findings would be made public.
Investigation Concluded — DHQ
Providing an update on Monday, the current Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said a comprehensive investigation had now been concluded in accordance with established military procedures, and the report had been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
According to Maj.-Gen. Uba, the probe examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel and identified several officers with cases to answer.
“The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Uba said.
He added that those indicted would be formally arraigned before relevant military judicial panels in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.
“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” he said.
Maj.-Gen. Uba stressed that the measures were purely disciplinary and part of institutional mechanisms aimed at preserving order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks.
Alleged Presidential Villa Security Breach
Meanwhile, security and military sources told reporters that the alleged plot involved a breach of security at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to the sources, some of the suspects, identified as serving military officers, allegedly infiltrated the Villa, conducted surveillance, assessed security installations, and identified vulnerabilities before the plot was uncovered.
“The coup plotters actually compromised the Villa, entered the Villa, some of them military officers. They have accessed the Villa and its security installations and vulnerabilities,” a Presidential Villa security source said.
Investigators are also probing the role of Julius Berger, the construction firm responsible for maintaining the Villa, following allegations that some staff members were compromised, providing the plotters access to sensitive areas of the presidential complex.
The Presidential Villa, commonly referred to as Aso Rock, is one of the most secure facilities in Nigeria, guarded by elite military units, intelligence operatives, and private contractors.
In October 2025, intelligence reports reportedly flagged unusual activities around the Villa, prompting heightened monitoring by security agencies.
When asked whether President Tinubu would intervene in the process, a security source said:
“No, the President will not stop the military from acting according to its rules and the law of the country. The report is already with the President, confirming there was indeed a planned coup, and the military will carry out its action.”
The source explained that authorities delayed immediate action to ensure thorough investigations, seal security loopholes, and identify all those involved.
“The government and the military wanted to ensure thorough investigations were conducted, all loopholes blocked, and those involved trapped before blowing the lid,” the source said.
He added that “The President has expressed full confidence in the military to execute justice according to the law.”
To prevent any further breach, officials noted that security agencies were reviewing internal protocols, particularly regarding contractors and staff with access to critical areas.