Military Officers Avoid Discussions On Failed Coup, Unofficial Gathering

Following the failed coup attempt on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the arrest of the suspected masterminds, fear has gripped key military officers.

While many of the officers who interacted freely since the return of democracy in 1999, that freedom has been lost since the botched coup attempt in September 2026.

LEADERSHIP observed that since the coup, military officers had begun avoiding gatherings to avoid being roped into it.

According to a military source, the coup is assumed to have never happened.

“It is more or less a taboo to talk about a coup, especially among officers. So, it is as if nothing happened,” he said.

Another military source said that while there is no advisory on how to behave, no military personnel need caution when it comes to coup matters.

He said, “It’s our DNA, you don’t need to be told to avoid discussions around coup”

Defence Headquarters on 26 January 2026 confirmed the coup, saying military officers involved in the plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be formally arraigned before a military court following the conclusion of the investigation.

Note that the Defence Headquarters in October 2025 confirmed the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

A statement by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.

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

According to him, the findings have identified a number of 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 an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

“This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” he said.

He explained that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks.

He reassured that the Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority.

While he, however, did not provide the exact number of those who will face military court martial, an unofficial report says over 40 persons have been probed for their involvement in the failed coup.