Nigerian Military Officers Face Tribunal Over Alleged Coup Plot

Sixteen Nigerian military officers, including a brigadier-general and a colonel, have been arrested and will face a military tribunal for allegedly planning to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's administration. The Defence Headquarters announced that these officers are under investigation for "indiscipline and breach of service regulations."

The arrests, which took place in October, have raised concerns amid a backdrop of regional instability, with recent coups or attempted coups in neighboring countries such as Benin and Guinea-Bissau.

In response to the allegations, the Defence Headquarters dismissed reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria's 65th Independence Anniversary activities to an attempted coup plot, urging the public to disregard such misinformation.

The Defence Headquarters emphasized that the claims were "entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace."

The identities and exact number of officers facing trial have not been disclosed. The military has pledged to take further actions to ensure discipline within its ranks and to preserve national order.