Faith Nyasuguta
A group of Nigerian military officers is set to stand trial before a court martial after authorities accused them of allegedly conspiring to undermine the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking one of the most serious disciplinary actions within the armed forces in recent years.
According to an official statement from Nigeria’s military leadership, 16 officers were detained in October last year over what were initially described as “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.” At the time, the armed forces dismissed widespread speculation that the arrests were linked to an attempted coup, insisting there was no threat to constitutional order.
However, following months of internal investigations, the military has now confirmed that several of those detained will face a formal military judicial panel. While officials did not disclose exactly how many officers will be prosecuted, they stressed that the process is intended to ensure accountability while adhering to fairness and due process.
In its statement, the military emphasized that any attempt to remove an elected government would be incompatible with the core ethics and professional standards expected of service members. Leaders reiterated that loyalty to civilian authority remains a central principle guiding Nigeria’s armed forces.
Allegations of coup plotting carry particular weight in Nigeria, a country with a long and turbulent history of military interventions in politics. Between 1966 and 1993, the nation experienced multiple coups and extended periods of military rule before transitioning to uninterrupted civilian governance in 1999. Since then, successive governments have worked to strengthen democratic institutions and keep the military out of political affairs.
Despite these efforts, rumours of dissent occasionally surface, especially during periods of economic hardship, insecurity and public frustration. Military officials have consistently rejected such claims, repeatedly reaffirming their commitment to democracy.
The case also comes amid renewed instability across West Africa. Several countries – including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea – have experienced coups in recent years, heightening concerns about the fragility of civilian rule
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