DHQ Names 16 Officers in Alleged Coup Plot (Full List)

Abuja —
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has made public the identities of 16 senior and mid-ranking officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces indicted by a Special Investigative Panel over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The officers, drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, were found to have “cases to answer” after months-long investigations into actions deemed inconsistent with military ethics and national security.

In a statement cited by Vanguard, the DHQ said the probe followed extensive intelligence gathering and internal assessments, clearing the way for court-martial proceedings in line with established military laws and procedures.

Full List of Indicted Officers

Those indicted are:

Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq

Colonel M. A. Ma’aji

Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah

Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu

Lieutenant Colonel Dangnan

Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura

Major A. J. Ibrahim

Major M. M. Jiddah

Major M. A. Usman

Major D. Yusuf

Major I. Dauda

Captain I. Bello

Captain A. A. Yusuf

Lieutenant S. S. Felix

Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi (Nigerian Navy)

Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu (Nigerian Air Force)

Military Confirms Judicial Process

The DHQ stressed that the indictment does not amount to a conviction, assuring that all affected officers will be allowed to defend themselves before a competent military court.

Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to constitutional order, democratic governance and civilian oversight of the armed forces, warning that any form of disloyalty or insubordination would be addressed firmly.

Background

Reports of an alleged coup plot first emerged in late 2025, sparking widespread speculation nationwide. At the time, the military dismissed claims of an imminent takeover, describing the arrests as internal disciplinary actions.

However, further disclosures in early 2026 indicated that investigations uncovered grave allegations, including attempts to undermine constituted authority, resulting in the formal indictment of the officers.

The DHQ reassured Nigerians that the armed forces remain united, professional and loyal to President Tinubu and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.