16 Officers Face Indictment in Alleged Coup Plot Against Nigerian President

Sixteen officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have been indicted over alleged involvement in a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s government, following the completion of investigations by a Special Investigative Panel.

Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the investigation had been concluded and that the officers would be subjected to a military Court Martial.

He explained that the probe uncovered actions at odds with the ethics and professional standards of the Armed Forces, adding that the process was strictly disciplinary and intended to preserve internal discipline and cohesion.

In October 2025, rumours of an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration circulated on social media, but the The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed the claims as false and misleading.

The DHQ had urged the public to disregard the misinformation, describing its sources as purveyors of falsehoods and enemies of the nation. Following the controversy, President Tinubu reshuffled leadership within Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

This development comes amid a series of military coups across several countries in the region, including Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gabon, Sudan, Chad, Mali, and Madagascar.

Guinea has since returned to democratic rule, with former transitional leader Mamadi Doumbouya elected president. Last year, Benin Republic also faced an attempted military takeover after soldiers temporarily seized control.

In Guinea-Bissau, a coup attempt was announced on 26 November 2025, a day before the expected release of official election results. Gunfire was reported near the presidential palace in the capital, Bissau, while armed men in military uniforms were seen blocking major access roads to the building.

Over the past decade, Africa has experienced a surge in military takeovers, particularly since 2020. Regional bodies, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), have repeatedly emphasised zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government, often imposing sanctions to pressure affected countries to return to democratic governance.

Safiya Muhammed Bello