Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says disciplinary action reinforces loyalty to constitution, zero tolerance for indiscipline.
By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has concluded investigations into disciplinary cases involving sixteen officers arrested last year for acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations, setting the stage for formal trials before military judicial panels in what signals a hardening stance against conduct deemed inimical to constitutional order.
In an update released on Monday, Defence Headquarters confirmed that the comprehensive probe initiated following the officers’ arrest in October 2025 has been completed and its findings forwarded to the appropriate superior military authorities in line with extant regulations.
According to the military, the investigation, carried out under established service procedures, examined the full circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.
The outcome, it said, established that several of the officers have cases to answer, including allegations bordering on plotting to overthrow the government, an offence described as fundamentally incompatible with the ethics, values and professional standards of the Armed Forces.
“Those found to have a case to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations,” the statement said, stressing that the process would be guided by fairness, due process and strict adherence to military law.
Defence Headquarters was emphatic that the ongoing actions are disciplinary rather than political, framing them as part of the AFN’s internal institutional mechanisms designed to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks.
The military leadership reiterated its resolve to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority, at a time when regional and domestic security challenges demand cohesion and discipline across all formations.
The update, signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, underscores the AFN’s zero-tolerance posture toward indiscipline and any conduct perceived as a threat to democratic governance.
Analysts say the move to court-martial marks a decisive moment for the Armed Forces, reinforcing the principle that allegiance to the constitution and civilian authority remains non-negotiable within Nigeria’s military establishment.
