THE Armed Forces of Nigeria on Saturday confirmed the arrest of 16 military officers over allegations of indiscipline, misconduct, and violation of service regulations.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau obtained by News Point Nigeria, the arrest followed a routine disciplinary exercise designed to enforce professionalism, loyalty, and order within the ranks.
Investigations revealed that the grievances of the arrested officers were linked to repeated failure in promotion examinations and perceived career stagnation, factors which the Army said had fuelled frustration and discontent among the personnel.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” Gusau said.
“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.”
The military spokesman further explained that some of the apprehended officers had long been under jurisdiction for various offences and were either awaiting or undergoing trial before their arrest.
Their conduct, he stressed, was considered incompatible with the discipline and standards expected of military officers.
Brigadier General Gusau noted that those found guilty at the end of ongoing investigations would face the full weight of military law through the armed forces’ disciplinary process, in line with established rules of engagement and service discipline.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on behaviour that could undermine the integrity of the Nigerian military or threaten its constitutional role under a democratic system.
“The Armed Forces will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will remain professional at all times,” Gusau added.
Cases of disciplinary measures are not new within the Nigerian military. In recent years, the Armed Forces have sanctioned officers and men over mutiny, desertion, insubordination, and acts deemed prejudicial to service discipline.
