Several Nigerian military officers are set to appear before a court-martial following allegations that they planned to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, the armed forces have confirmed.
Sixteen officers were detained in October last year over what the military initially described as acts of indiscipline and violations of service rules. At the time, the authorities dismissed speculation of a coup attempt.
However, after completing investigations, the military has acknowledged that some of those arrested will now face trial before a military judicial panel. It remains unclear how many of the 16 officers will be prosecuted.
Military authorities said the proceedings would ensure accountability while upholding fairness and due process. They stressed that any attempt to undermine an elected government runs contrary to the ethics, values and professional standards of the armed forces.
Allegations of coup-plotting are particularly sensitive in Nigeria, given the country’s history of repeated military takeovers between 1966 and 1993.
In recent years, insecurity and public discontent have occasionally fuelled rumours of unrest within the military, claims the armed forces have consistently denied.
Nigeria has been under uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999, with the military repeatedly reaffirming its loyalty to democratic governance and civilian authority.
