ABUJA, Nigeria — Families of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot have raised serious concerns about the health condition of the suspects, citing injuries, poor eyesight, and respiratory problems that they say are being neglected by authorities.
The detainees, who were arrested in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow the government, have reportedly been held in military custody for several weeks. According to family members who have been allowed limited access, some of the suspects are suffering from untreated injuries sustained during their arrest, while others have developed chronic health conditions due to inadequate medical care.
Relatives of the detained officers have appealed to the federal government and military authorities to intervene and ensure that the suspects receive proper medical attention. They argue that the detainees’ health conditions are deteriorating rapidly, and that without urgent care, some may suffer permanent damage or even lose their lives.
The military has not officially commented on the allegations, but sources indicate that the detained officers are being held under tight security as investigations into the alleged coup plot continue. The military has maintained that all detainees are being treated in accordance with established procedures and that their basic rights are being respected.
However, family members have dismissed these assurances, pointing to specific cases where detainees have reportedly lost significant weight, developed severe eye problems, or experienced difficulty breathing due to respiratory infections. They have called on the National Human Rights Commission and civil society organisations to investigate the conditions of detention.
The alleged coup plot was uncovered in May 2026, leading to the arrest of several military officers and the subsequent dismissal of some senior officials. The government has described the plot as a serious threat to national security, while the military has promised a thorough investigation.
As the legal proceedings continue, the families of the detained officers have vowed to keep pressing for better treatment of their loved ones. They have also called on the judiciary to ensure that the suspects are given a fair trial and that their health concerns are addressed without delay. For now, the fate of the detained coup suspects remains uncertain, as their families await a response from the authorities.
