Nigeria’s military has announced that several officers will face trial over allegations that they plotted to overthrow the country’s government, according to a statement from the Defence Headquarters.
Military authorities said the decision followed the conclusion of an internal investigation into the conduct of officers who were arrested in October on accusations described at the time as “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.”
Speaking on Monday, military spokesperson Samaila Uba said the investigative panel determined that some of the officers were linked to an alleged coup plot targeting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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 Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Uba said.
He added that officers found culpable would be arraigned before a military judicial panel and tried in line with established military procedures.
Authorities did not specify how many of the at least 16 officers arrested would face trial, nor were their identities disclosed. The Defence Headquarters said additional steps were being taken to maintain discipline, order and operational effectiveness within the armed forces.
The development comes amid heightened sensitivity in West and Central Africa, where several countries have experienced coups or attempted military takeovers in recent years. Analysts have linked the trend to disputed elections, constitutional tensions, security challenges and growing economic hardship.
Nigeria itself experienced multiple military coups between 1966 and 1993. In recent years, public frustration has increased over economic pressures, including the impact of government austerity measures.
