By Joy Essien, Contributing Editor, Lagos Metropolitan.
In October 2025, social media was awash with reports of a planned coup against President Tinubu’s administration. The DHQ initially dismissed the claims as false and misleading, urging Nigerians to ignore what it called deliberate misinformation.
However, weeks later, President Tinubu announced a major reshuffle of the Armed Forces leadership, a move now widely viewed as part of broader internal reforms following intelligence assessments.
We saw General Olufemi Oluyede being replaced by General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff.
Major-General W. Shaibu became Chief of Army Staff
Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke emerged as Chief of Air Staff
Rear Admiral I. Abbas assumed office as Chief of Naval Staff
Only Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence, retained his post
The presidency said the changes were aimed at strengthening national security architecture amid evolving threats.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has released the full list of 16 officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces who were indicted by a Special Investigative Panel for allegedly plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu.
The panel had indicted the 16 soldiers of serious misconduct, including an alleged plot to overthrow Tinubu’s government.
In a statement on Monday, Samaila Uba, director of defence information, said investigations conducted in line with established military procedures found some personnel involved in a coup plot.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations,” the statement reads.“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.
“The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.
“This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.”The defence spokesperson said the actions being taken against the affected officers are “purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks”.
Uba said the armed forces remain resolute in maintaining the “highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority”.
The LIST Includes the Following Names:
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 – FCT (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, spanning the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
According to the DHQ, the indicted officers will now face a military Court Martial in line with established procedures, as the Armed Forces move to protect discipline, cohesion, and operational integrity within its ranks.
