Military finally admits coup plot against Tinubu

The military high command has admitted that some of its officers plotted to unseat President Bola Tinubu.

In October last year, there were reports that officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier-General, were arrested and detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, for attempting to overthrow President Tinubu’s government.

The Defence Headquarters and the Presidency had, at that time, denied that there was a coup attempt, despite widespread reports linking it to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day Parade, by President Tinubu.

But on Monday, the media led with a story on how the report of the panel which probed the arrested officers submitted its findings to the president.

In a statement issued after the report, the Director, Defence Information, Samaila Uba, a Major-General, confirmed that the probe panel had indeed been submitted its report to the “appropriate superior authority”.

Uba said those with cases to answer would be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

He said, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.

“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.

“The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.

“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

The senior military officer explained that the military made this development public was to ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.

According to him, the Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority.

Uba added, “The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks.”