Nigeria’s military authorities have confirmed that a group of officers attempted a coup and said those indicted will be prosecuted before a military court, ending months of speculation over the circumstances surrounding their detention.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said in a statement that investigations established the existence of a plot to unlawfully alter the country’s constitutional order, describing the actions of the officers involved as a serious breach of military regulations and national security.
The officers, who have been in detention since October 2025, were arrested following what the military initially described as acts of indiscipline and violations of service rules. At the time, the army said the arrests were linked to internal grievances, including dissatisfaction over career progression and failed promotion examinations.
On Monday, however, the DHQ said the probe had uncovered evidence of a coordinated attempt to undermine the chain of command and destabilize the government, prompting the decision to proceed with court-martial proceedings.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will not tolerate any form of insubordination or actions capable of threatening democracy and national stability,” the statement said, adding that due process would be followed in line with military law.
Rights groups and pro-democracy activists have repeatedly called for transparency in the handling of the case, citing concerns over prolonged detention and the health of some of the accused officers. They have urged the government to ensure that the suspects receive a fair and speedy trial.
Nigeria has a history of military coups, though it has remained under civilian rule since 1999. The military leadership said it remains loyal to the constitution and to the elected government, stressing that the trial of the indicted officers is intended to reinforce discipline and deter future attempts to subvert democratic governance.
