Nigeria's military announced on January 27, 2026, that officers arrested in October 2025 will face trial for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's government. This marks the first official acknowledgment of the suspected coup attempt, which authorities had previously dismissed despite internal reports.
Defence Headquarters spokesperson Major General Samaila Uba confirmed that investigations identified "a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government." Sixteen officers were initially detained for "issues of indiscipline," though the military has not disclosed how many face formal charges. Trials will proceed before a military judicial panel, with legal experts noting convictions could carry the death penalty under Nigerian military law.
The announcement follows President Tinubu's sweeping leadership reshuffle in late 2025, aimed at addressing security gaps. Analysts warn that ongoing challenges—including battles against Boko Haram, Islamic State affiliates, and separatist groups—compound risks of instability, particularly amid reports of delayed troop payments and operational strain.
Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, has experienced multiple coups since independence but has maintained civilian rule since 1999. A successful overthrow would have disrupted 27 years of democratic governance.
