Nigeria’s Military Sets to Court-Martial 16 Officers Over Alleged Coup Plot

…As troops kill dozens of terrorists, arrest 100 suspects, rescue 29 victims in one Week

The Nigerian Armed Forces have concluded investigations into 16 officers detained last October over allegations of indiscipline and breaches of military regulations, including suspected plots to overthrow the government.

These officers are now slated for trial before military judicial panels, according to Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Uba confirmed that the investigations examined all circumstances surrounding the officers’ conduct.

Some of the officers face serious allegations, including involvement in a coup attempt.

He emphasized that these disciplinary actions are part of internal efforts to maintain discipline, unity, and operational effectiveness within the military ranks.

“The officers found to have cases to answer will be arraigned before appropriate military courts in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and related regulations,” Uba stated.

He assured the public that the process would be transparent, fair, and in line with constitutional and legal standards.

Meanwhile, Nigerian military operations over the past week have yielded significant successes against terrorists and criminal elements.

According to Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, troops have killed dozens of terrorists, apprehended at least 100 suspects, and rescued 29 kidnapped victims across various regions.

In the Northeast, joint forces of Operation Hadin Kai targeted Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other terrorist groups in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, neutralizing numerous insurgents and destroying their equipment. Seven suspects were arrested, and four victims were rescued from captivity.

In the Northwest, troops engaged terrorists in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna, apprehending 10 suspects, rescuing seven kidnapping victims, and recovering weapons, vehicles, and stolen livestock.

Operations in the North Central led to the arrest of 39 suspects and rescue of four victims in Plateau and Kaduna states, with authorities recovering arms, ammunition, and over $4,500 believed to be proceeds from cattle rustling.

In the South-South, troops destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and detained 31 oil thieves across Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, and Imo states. In the Southeast, efforts included rescuing eight Cameroonian nationals kidnapped by sea pirates, arresting three suspects in Anambra, and receiving the surrender of about 80 militants along with their weapons.

Maj.-Gen. Onoja reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting its citizens, calling on the media to continue responsible reporting to support national security.