Nigeria's Defence Headquarters Releases Full List of 16 Officers Indicted in Alleged Coup Plot
The Defence Headquarters of Nigeria has officially released the comprehensive list of sixteen military officers who have been indicted over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This significant development follows extensive investigations by the Special Investigative Panel, which has concluded its work and submitted findings of serious misconduct within the ranks of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Military Confirms Findings and Announces Court-Martial Proceedings
Major General Samaila Uba, the Director of Defence Information, confirmed that the panel's investigation has concluded with several officers found to have cases to answer regarding allegations of plotting to overthrow the government. In a statement issued on Monday, January 26, 2026, Uba disclosed that the affected military officers will now face a military court-martial in strict accordance with established procedures and extant regulations governing military conduct.
The announcement represents a critical moment in Nigeria's ongoing efforts to maintain constitutional order and military discipline. Uba emphasized that the investigation revealed serious breaches of conduct that warranted formal indictment and subsequent legal proceedings through the military justice system.
Comprehensive List of Indicted Officers Across Military Branches
The indicted officers represent various branches and corps of the Nigerian military, with most drawn from the Infantry, Signals, and Ordnance Corps of the Armed Forces. The complete list includes:
- 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)
The diversity of ranks and military branches represented in this list underscores the complexity and scope of the alleged conspiracy. The officers hail from various states across Nigeria, including Nasarawa, Niger, Bauchi, Kaduna, Plateau, Gombe, Katsina, Jigawa, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Background and Public Reaction to the Alleged Coup Plot
This development follows earlier reports that the Nigerian military had detained sixteen officers linked to the alleged coup plot against President Tinubu's administration. The probe panel has now submitted its detailed report, revealing specific information about the arrested officers and their potential charges under military law.
Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions across social media platforms regarding the alleged coup plot, with many citizens calling for transparency and accountability throughout the judicial process. There is growing public demand for clarity regarding the coup plotters and any potential civilian collaborators who may have been involved in the alleged conspiracy against the government.
Governance and security challenges continue to represent significant threats to Nigeria's long-term development and stability. The military's acknowledgment of this alleged coup attempt highlights ongoing concerns about political stability and constitutional order in Africa's most populous nation.
The court-martial proceedings will now determine the veracity of the allegations and appropriate consequences for those found guilty of misconduct. This case represents a critical test for Nigeria's military justice system and its commitment to maintaining discipline within the armed forces while upholding democratic principles.
