In a sweeping show of zero tolerance for misconduct, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has arrested sixteen of its own officers over alleged acts of gross indiscipline, insubordination, and violation of military service regulations.
The crackdown, announced in a statement dated October 4, 2025, and signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, marks one of the strongest internal disciplinary actions taken by the military in recent months.
According to Brigadier General Gusau, the arrests followed a routine but rigorous internal operation designed to reinforce discipline, loyalty, and accountability within the ranks. “The arrests followed a routine exercise aimed at enforcing discipline within the ranks,” the statement read.
He revealed that preliminary findings pointed to what he described as “grievances stemming largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.”
In what appears to be a stern warning to erring personnel, the Defence Headquarters emphasized that some of the detained officers had long been under military jurisdiction for offences currently awaiting or undergoing trial, adding that their actions were “incompatible with the standards of military service.”
“Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service,” the statement declared unequivocally.
The Defence Headquarters further stated that all officers found culpable at the end of investigations would face strict disciplinary proceedings, in line with established military protocols.
“Upon completion of the investigations, the indicted officers will face military disciplinary proceedings in accordance with established procedures to ensure accountability and preserve professionalism within the Armed Forces,” Brigadier General Gusau confirmed.
Reassuring the public of the institution’s uncompromising stance on ethics, the military leadership described the arrests as “a routine but necessary purge” to keep the force’s integrity intact. “These actions are strictly disciplinary in nature and part of routine efforts to maintain order, discipline, and loyalty within the ranks,” the Defence Headquarters affirmed.
Brigadier General Gusau further underscored that the AFN will not condone any act capable of undermining its constitutional role or threatening national security.
“The Armed Forces will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority,” he cautioned.
He reaffirmed that the ongoing internal cleansing within the Armed Forces reflects the leadership’s renewed commitment to professionalism, discipline, and national service under democratic governance. “The AFN remains steadfast in upholding professionalism and its constitutional responsibilities in the discharge of its duties,” the statement concluded.