Families of senior military officers detained in connection with an alleged coup plot have raised the alarm over what they describe as severe torture and inhumane treatment while in military custody.
The detainees, mostly high-ranking officers, have been held for several months without trial, prompting their loved ones to speak out publicly and demand immediate intervention from authorities.
The Allegations
According to the families, the officers have been subjected to various forms of physical and psychological torture, including prolonged solitary confinement, denial of medical care, and inhumane interrogation methods. Some relatives claim they have not been allowed access to their loved ones for weeks, raising fears about their current state of health.
One family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, told Sahara Reporters:
“Our husbands, fathers, and brothers are being treated like animals. They are officers who served this country with dignity. Now they are locked up and tortured without any fair hearing. This is not justice.”
The families say they have written several petitions to relevant authorities, including the Chief of Defence Staff and the National Human Rights Commission, but claim little or no action has been taken.
Context of the Alleged Coup Plot
The officers were arrested late last year in connection with an alleged plot to destabilise the current administration. The case has remained largely shrouded in secrecy, with limited information released to the public. Critics have described the prolonged detention without trial as a throwback to the dark days of military-era repression.
Human rights groups have also expressed concern, calling for due process and warning that the alleged mistreatment could damage the image of Nigeria’s military institutions.
Families Demand Justice
The families are demanding the immediate release of the officers or a fair and transparent trial. They insist that if there is credible evidence against them, it should be presented in a court of law rather than subjecting them to what they call “illegal detention and torture.”
Some of the detainees are said to be suffering from serious health complications due to the conditions of their detention, with calls growing louder for humanitarian intervention.
As the situation continues to unfold, the families say they will not remain silent, vowing to explore all legal and international avenues to secure the release or proper treatment of their loved ones.
This development comes at a time when the Nigerian military is intensifying operations against various security threats across the country, making the handling of internal cases even more sensitive.
Source: Sahara Reporters (June 19, 2026)
