The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has concluded investigations into sixteen military officers arrested over alleged acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations, including accusations of plotting to overthrow the government.
This update was contained in a statement issued by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Monday, providing clarification on the status of the disciplinary cases first announced in October 2025.
According to the statement, the investigation report has now been forwarded to the appropriate superior authorities in line with existing military regulations, following what the AFN described as a comprehensive and thorough inquiry conducted in accordance with established military procedures.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed that the investigation examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel and found that a number of the officers have cases to answer, including allegations of involvement in activities inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards of the Armed Forces.
Notably, the findings reportedly identified some of the officers as being linked to an alleged plot to overthrow the government—an act described by the military as fundamentally incompatible with the principles of loyalty, professionalism, and respect for constitutional authority expected of service members.
Consequently, the AFN announced that officers found culpable will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels and tried in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. The process, the military assured, will adhere strictly to the principles of fairness, accountability, and due process.
The Armed Forces further emphasised that the actions being taken are strictly disciplinary in nature, forming part of internal institutional mechanisms designed to preserve discipline, cohesion, and operational effectiveness within the ranks.
Reaffirming its commitment to national stability, the AFN stated that it remains resolute in upholding the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and obedience to constitutional authority.
The statement was signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, and dated January 26, 2026.
List of Officers Investigated
The officers reportedly investigated in connection with the alleged coup plot include:
1. Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (N/10321) – Alleged leader of the plot
2. Colonel M.A. Ma’aji (N/10668) – Alleged key strategist
3. Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah (N/13036) – Signals Corps
4. Lieutenant Colonel A.A. Hayatu (N/13038) – Infantry Corps
5. Lieutenant Colonel P. Dangnap (N/13025) – Infantry Corps
6. Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura (N/12983) – Infantry Corps
7. Major A.J. Ibrahim (N/13065) – Infantry Corps
8. Major M.M. Jiddah (N/13003) – Infantry Corps
9. Major M.A. Usman (N/15404) – Infantry Corps
10. Major D. Yusuf (N/14753) – Ordnance Corps
11. Major I. Dauda (N/13625) – Infantry Corps
12. Captain Ibrahim Bello (N/16266) – Infantry Corps
13. Captain A.A. Yusuf (N/16724) – Infantry Corps
14. Lieutenant S.S. Felix (N/18105) – Infantry Corps
15. Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi (NN/3289) – Nigerian Navy
16. Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu (NAF/3481) – Nigerian Air Force
