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A group of Nigerian military officers will stand trial on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the West African country’s government, Nigeria’s defense headquarters said on Monday, citing the findings of an investigative panel.
In October, at least 16 officers were arrested for what military authorities called “indiscipline and violations of service regulations.” The arrests, combined with local media coverage of the failed coup, add to tensions in a region already experiencing a series of coups.
Nigeria’s military spokesperson Samaira Uba said in a statement on Monday that an investigation into the officers’ conduct had concluded and revealed a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s government.
“The investigation found that some officers were accused of conspiring to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards expected of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” Uba said.
Officers found guilty will be arraigned before a military justice panel and tried according to military procedures, the spokesman added.
It is unclear how many of the 16 officers arrested will face trial, and authorities have not provided their names. The spokesperson said further measures will be taken to maintain order, discipline and effectiveness of the military.
The alleged coup plot is the latest after a surge in coups and attempted coups in West and Central Africa Benin and Guinea-Bissau late last year. Experts say the military takeover follows a pattern of disputed elections, constitutional unrest, security crises and youth discontent.
Nigeria experienced a number of coups between 1966 and 1993, and there were growing concerns about worsening difficulties caused by government austerity measures.