. As military neutralizes dozens of terrorists, nabs 100 suspects in 1wk
…Uncovers illegal arms factory in Nasarawa, recovers 6 guns
Chidimma Uchegbu with agency reports
The Defence Headquarters on Monday said investigations into alleged misconduct by some officers revealed claims of a plot to overthrow the government.
In October 2025, the DHQ announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
Sahara Reporters reported on October 18 that the officers — ranging in rank from Captain to Brigadier General — were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly holding secret meetings to topple the government.
The platform also linked the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade to the alleged plot.
Reacting at the time, the former Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the publication was intended to create tension and distrust among Nigerians, adding that the matter was strictly a disciplinary issue handled internally.
“The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public,” the statement said.
Providing an update on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said a comprehensive investigation had been conducted in line with established military procedures.
He said the findings showed that some of the officers had cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government and that the investigation report has now been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
The statement partly read, “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 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.
He stressed that the process would ensure accountability while upholding fairness and due process.
He emphasised that the measures being taken were purely disciplinary and formed part of institutional mechanisms aimed at preserving order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks.
Uba added, “Accordingly, those with cases 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. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.
“The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks.
“The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority.”
. As military neutralizes dozens of terrorists, nabs 100 suspects in 1wk
…Uncovers illegal arms factory in Nasarawa, recovers 6 guns
Meanwhile, Troops of the Nigerian military have neutralised dozens of terrorists, apprehended no fewer than 100 suspects and rescued at least 29 kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across the country.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while giving updates on the outcome of ongoing military operations between Jan. 19 and Jan. 23.
Onoja said the operations, carried out in synergy with other security agencies, were intelligence-driven and executed with professionalism, strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement and respect for international humanitarian law and human rights.
According to him, the sustained offensive actions disrupted terrorist and criminal networks, led to the recovery of large quantities of arms and ammunition and restored relative calm in several troubled communities.
In the North East, Onoja said troops of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai neutralised scores of Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists during operations in parts of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.
He said seven suspects were apprehended and four kidnapped victims rescued in Damboa, Askira/Uba, Chibok, Mafa, Gwoza and Biu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno, as well as Michika and Damaturu LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe States.
“Air interdiction and armed reconnaissance missions carried out in Damboa, Abadam and Doron Duguri areas of Borno State resulted in multiple precision strikes.
“Battle damage assessment confirmed that dozens of terrorists were neutralised and their equipment destroyed,” he said.
In the North West, Onoja said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised several terrorists, apprehended 10 suspects and rescued seven kidnapped victims during operations in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Kaduna States.
He added that weapons, vehicles and rustled livestock were also recovered.
The defence spokesman said troops of Operation Enduring Peace in the North Central neutralised some extremists, apprehended 39 criminals and rescued four kidnapped victims during operations in Plateau and parts of Kaduna States.
He added that arms and ammunition were recovered, including 4,500 dollars traced to proceeds from cattle rustling.
Similarly, Onoja said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested 11 suspected kidnappers and rescued six kidnapped victims across Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa States and the Federal Capital Territory.
In the South-South, Onoja said troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 31 oil thieves and other criminals across Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Imo States.
In the South East, Onoja said troops of Operation Udo Ka rescued eight Cameroonian nationals kidnapped by sea pirates in Cross River, arrested three suspects in Anambra and received the surrender of about 80 militants with their arms and ammunition.
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting citizens, while calling on the media to sustain responsible and accurate reportage in support of national security efforts. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Also, Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have uncovered an illegal arms manufacturing factory in Agwatashi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF OPWS, confirmed this in a statement on Monday in Makurdi.
Zubairu said troops deployed to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Idadu during routine patrols uncovered a concealed location suspected to be used for the illegal manufacturing of locally fabricated weapons.
He said some persons on sighting the troops who were approaching the site, fled the area.
“However, one suspect, Baba Ogar, a 26-year-old from Arusu Village in Kokona Local Government Area who hid on top of a tree to evade arrest, was apprehended.
“A thorough search of the site led to the recovery of six locally fabricated pistols, assorted tools and instruments believed to be used in the production of illegal weapons, the sum of ₦40,500, and a mobile phone, were found on the suspect.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the location served as an illegal arms manufacturing site supplying criminal elements with firearms within and beyond the area.
“The arrested suspect is currently in custody, while investigations have been intensified to track down and apprehend other fleeing accomplices connected to the criminal activity,” he said.
Zubairu said the Force Commander, OPWS, Maj.- Gen. Moses Gara, has commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and sustained operational pressure, which culminated in the discovery of the illegal arms production facility.
Gara charged them to maintain the momentum and continue to rely on intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks within the Joint Operations Area.(NAN)(
