Names of 16 Officers indicted over alleged plot against Tinubu (Full List)

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has released the identities of 16 officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria indicted by a Special Investigative Panel over allegations of serious misconduct, including an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, disclosed on Monday that the investigative panel had concluded its assignment and determined that several of the officers had cases to answer.

According to him, the affected personnel will be subjected to trial before a military Court Martial in line with extant regulations and established military procedures.

Major-General Uba said the investigation carefully examined the circumstances surrounding the conduct of the officers and identified actions that were inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He stressed that the process was strictly disciplinary and aimed at safeguarding internal discipline, cohesion and operational effectiveness within the military.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority. Measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of our institutional mechanisms to preserve order and effectiveness within the ranks,” Uba said.

List of Indicted Officers

The officers indicted by the panel are:

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 (Federal Capital Territory, 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 indicted officers are drawn from the Infantry, Signals and Ordnance Corps of the Armed Forces.

Background

In October 2025, reports of an alleged coup plot against President Tinubu’s administration circulated widely on social media. The Defence Headquarters initially dismissed the claims as false and misleading, urging Nigerians to ignore what it described as deliberate misinformation by enemies of the state.

However, the Federal Government subsequently ordered a comprehensive probe into the matter.

Following the controversy, President Tinubu approved a reshuffle in the leadership of the Armed Forces as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said the changes were aimed at reinforcing stability and professionalism within the military.

Under the new appointments, General Olufemi Oluyede replaced General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, while Major-General W. Shaibu was named Chief of Army Staff.

Air Vice-Marshal S. K. Aneke assumed office as Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas became Chief of Naval Staff. Only the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retained his position.

Join Very Nigerian WhatsApp Channel
For Verified Breaking News, Exclusive Reports, Trending Stories, And Real-time Updates.
CLICk HERE TO JOIN!