THE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrest of 16 military officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations, with several of the affected personnel now set to face trial before military judicial panels.
News Point Nigeria reports that the confirmation was made on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, who disclosed that the investigative panel constituted by the military authorities has concluded its assignment.
According to Maj.-Gen. Uba, the panel’s findings revealed that a number of the officers have serious cases to answer, necessitating further disciplinary and judicial action in line with established military procedures.
He said the officers would be subjected to court-martial proceedings, stressing that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) would strictly adhere to existing rules, regulations and due process in handling the matter.
“The investigative panel has completed its work and established that some of the officers involved have serious allegations to answer,” Uba said. “They will be subjected to court-martial in line with established military procedures and service regulations.”
The offences, according to the Defence Headquarters, are linked to allegations of a plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a development that has drawn national attention and raised concerns about discipline within the armed forces.
Maj.-Gen. Uba emphasised that the alleged actions of the officers were “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
He reaffirmed the commitment of the military high command to maintaining discipline, loyalty to the constitution, and respect for democratic authority, noting that the Armed Forces remain firmly subordinate to civilian leadership.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will not tolerate acts that undermine its core values, professionalism, or constitutional mandate,” he said.
The DHQ further assured Nigerians that the situation was under control and that the military remains united, professional and focused on its primary responsibilities of defending the country’s territorial integrity and supporting internal security operations.
While declining to disclose further operational details, Maj.-Gen. Uba said updates would be provided as the judicial process unfolds.
Below are the full names and ranks of the 16 officers listed for trial:
1. Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (Nasarawa, 44th Regular Course)
2. Colonel M. A. Ma’aji (Niger, 47th Regular Course)
3. Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah (Bauchi, 56th Regular Course)
4. Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu (Kaduna, 56th Regular Course)
5. Lieutenant Colonel Dangnan (Plateau, 56th Regular Course)
6. Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura (Nasarawa, 56th Regular Course)
7. Major A. J. Ibrahim (Gombe, 56th Regular Course)
8. Major M. M. Jiddah (Katsina, 56th Regular Course)
9. Major M. A. Usman (Federal Capital Territory, 60th Regular Course)
10. Major D. Yusuf (Gombe, 59th Regular Course)
11. Major I. Dauda (Jigawa, DSSC 38)
12. Captain I. Bello (DSSC 43)
13. Captain A. A. Yusuf
14. Lieutenant S. S. Felix (DSSC)
15. Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi (Nigerian Navy)
16. Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu (Nigerian Air Force)
A review of the list shows that most of the officers are drawn from the Infantry, Signals, and Ordnance Corps.
Military authorities noted that the trials will proceed as part of efforts to enforce discipline and uphold professionalism within the armed forces.