The Nigerian military is set to take disciplinary action against a group of officers accused of plotting to topple President Bola Tinubu’s government, the armed forces announced.
Sixteen officers were detained in October last year following allegations of “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.” At the time, the military dismissed claims of an attempted coup.
Following a thorough investigation, authorities confirmed that some of the officers would now face a military court for trial.
The military has not revealed exactly how many officers will stand trial but emphasized that the proceedings will uphold “the principles of fairness and due process.”
The statement added that attempts to remove the government were “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards” expected of the armed forces.
Nigeria has a long record of military involvement in politics, with multiple coups occurring between 1966 and 1993. This history makes any allegation of a coup highly sensitive and a matter of national concern.
While Nigeria has maintained uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999, rumours of dissent within the military occasionally surface, often driven by public frustration, insecurity, and operational pressures. The armed forces have consistently rejected these rumours, stressing loyalty to the constitution and democratic governance.
The trial comes at a time when coups have surged across West Africa, with Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea experiencing military takeovers over the past several years. Guinea recently returned to civilian leadership with junta leader Mamadi Doumbouya elected president.
These developments have made regional governments, including Nigeria, vigilant. Nigeria has traditionally played a stabilizing role within the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), and the military remains under close scrutiny to maintain order.
Domestically, the Nigerian army faces continuous security challenges, ranging from countering jihadist groups in the north-east to confronting criminal gangs and communal violence in other parts of the country. Analysts say these pressures, combined with resource limitations and intense public attention, have highlighted the importance of discipline and accountability within the armed forces.
