Abuja —
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has released the full names of 16 senior and mid-level officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces indicted by a Special Investigative Panel over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The officers, drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, were said to have been found with “cases to answer” following months of investigation into activities considered contrary to military professionalism and national security.
In a statement referenced by Vanguard, the DHQ disclosed that the investigation was concluded after extensive intelligence gathering and internal reviews, paving the way for court-martial proceedings in line with military laws and procedures.
Full List of Indicted Officers
Those indicted include:
Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq
Colonel M. A. Ma’aji
Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah
Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu
Lieutenant Colonel Dangnan
Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura
Major A. J. Ibrahim
Major M. M. Jiddah
Major M. A. Usman
Major D. Yusuf
Major I. Dauda
Captain I. Bello
Captain A. A. Yusuf
Lieutenant S. S. Felix
Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi (Nigerian Navy)
Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu (Nigerian Air Force)
Military Confirms Judicial Process
The DHQ emphasised that the indictment does not amount to a conviction, stressing that the officers will be given the opportunity to defend themselves before a competent military court.
Military authorities also reiterated their commitment to constitutional order, democratic governance and civilian control of the armed forces, warning that any act of disloyalty or insubordination would be dealt with decisively.
Background
Reports of an alleged coup plot first surfaced in late 2025, triggering widespread speculation. At the time, the military denied claims of an imminent coup, describing the arrests as internal disciplinary matters.
However, fresh disclosures in early 2026 confirmed that the investigation uncovered serious allegations, including attempts to undermine constituted authority, leading to the formal indictment of the officers involved.
The DHQ assured Nigerians that the armed forces remain united, professional and loyal to President Tinubu and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.