DHQ Confirms Coup Attempt Against President Tinubu

Abuja,

January 26, 2026

The Defence Headquarters,DHQ, has confirmed that indeed there was a coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, made the revelation while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Monday.

According to him, investigations into what was initially termed alleged misconduct by some officers, revealed claims of a plot to overthrow the government. It would be recalled that the DHQ announced in October 2025, the arrest of some officers, numbering 16, what it termed "acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations."

The arrested officers were said to range from from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General, all of whom were picked up by operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, over alleged secret meetings aimed at toppling the Tinubu administration.

The outcome is said to be responsible for the cancellation of activities marking the nation's 65th independence anniversary on October 1.

Maj Gen Uba noted in the DHQ statement that a comprehensive investigation had been conducted in line with established military procedures, adding that findings indicated that some of the officers had cases to answer over the alleged plot to overthrow the government.

The report, he added, has now been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.

“The Defence Headquarters issued a press statement in October 2025 regarding the arrest of sixteen officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria 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,” Uba said.

He concluded that those indicted would be formally arraigned before relevant military judicial panels to face trial in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. According to him, the process would follow due process while also ensuring principles of accountability and fairness are followed.