The Defence Headquarters has released the full identities of sixteen officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria linked to an alleged coup plot to remove President Bola Tinubu from office.

According to the military authorities, the officers were investigated by a Special Investigative Panel set up to look into claims of serious misconduct within the armed forces.

After completing its work, the panel concluded that the affected officers had questions to answer based on their actions and conduct.

The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, explained that the investigation carefully reviewed the behaviour of the officers and how it aligned with the values and standards expected in the military.

He stated that their actions were found to be against professional rules guiding service personnel.

He added that the matter is strictly an internal military issue and is being handled through proper disciplinary channels.

As a result, the officers will appear before a military Court Martial in line with existing rules and procedures.

Below are the full names and ranks of the 16 indicted officers:

• Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (Nasarawa, 44th Regular Course)
• Colonel M. A. Ma’aji (Niger, 47th Regular Course)
• Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah (Bauchi, 56th Regular Course)
• Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu (Kaduna, 56th Regular Course)
• Lieutenant Colonel Dangnan (Plateau, 56th Regular Course)
• Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura (Nasarawa, 56th Regular Course)
• Major A. J. Ibrahim (Gombe, 56th Regular Course)
• Major M. M. Jiddah (Katsina, 56th Regular Course)
• Major M. A. Usman (Federal Capital Territory, 60th Regular Course)
• Major D. Yusuf (Gombe, 59th Regular Course)
• Major I. Dauda (Jigawa, DSSC 38)
• Captain I. Bello (DSSC 43)
• Captain A. A. Yusuf
• Lieutenant S. S. Felix (DSSC)
• Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi (Nigerian Navy)
• Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu (Nigerian Air Force)

Most of the officers are drawn from the Infantry, Signals, and Ordnance Corps of the Armed Forces.

The issue follows reports that surfaced on social media in October 2025, claiming there was a coup plan against the Tinubu administration.

At the time, the Defence Headquarters dismissed the reports and described them as false information meant to mislead the public.

Despite the denial, the development later led to changes in the leadership of the military.

President Tinubu approved a reshuffle of the service chiefs as part of efforts to strengthen national security and maintain stability within the armed forces.

Under the new arrangement, General Olufemi Oluyede took over as Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Major General W. Shaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke became the new Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral I. Abbas also assumed duty as Chief of Naval Staff.

Only the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General E. A. P. Undiendeye, remained in his position.

What You Should Know
The Defence Headquarters has officially made public the names of sixteen officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria who were linked to an alleged plan against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The officers were investigated by a Special Investigative Panel set up by the military after concerns were raised about their conduct.

The panel was tasked with examining their actions and determining whether they acted in line with military rules and ethics.

After concluding its investigation, the panel found that the officers had issues to answer.

Based on this, the Defence Headquarters approved that they should face a military Court Martial, which is the legal process used by the armed forces to handle disciplinary cases involving service personnel.

According to the military, the investigation was not political and was not carried out under pressure from any external group.

It was described as an internal process meant to protect discipline, unity and professionalism within the armed forces.

The officers named cut across different ranks and services.

They include senior and junior officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force. Many of them are from combat and technical units such as Infantry, Signals and Ordnance.

(C) CITY LAWYER Magazine. All rights reserved. To join our Channel, click here. Click here to join our WhatsApp chatroom. Contact us at citylawyermag@gmail.com or 081-3838-0083.