By Peter Dansu Nigerian security agencies have concluded investigations into an alleged coup plot aimed at violently overthrowing President...
By Peter Dansu
Nigerian security agencies have concluded investigations into an alleged coup plot aimed at violently overthrowing President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with no fewer than 40 suspects now identified for roles ranging from direct military involvement to funding, reconnaissance and propaganda.
Report according to Premium Times revealed that those implicated include senior officers from across the armed forces, a serving police officer and several civilians. The arrests followed a covert intelligence operation coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service SSS.
According to security sources, 13 suspects were apprehended by the SSS, including two military personnel one of them retired a police officer and 10 civilians. In addition, 16 serving military officers were arrested for alleged direct participation in the plot. Two civilians were picked up for reconnaissance activities, another two for allegedly planning to incite civil disobedience to justify a takeover, while five others were linked to funding channels.
One soldier reportedly escaped from custody but was later rearrested by SSS operatives in Bauchi.
On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that the investigation had been completed and forwarded to appropriate superior authority in line with existing regulations. The military said its findings revealed the involvement of several officers, describing the alleged actions as inconsistent with the ethics values and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Investigators discovered that the plot was initially conceived to disrupt the handover of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu on 29 May 2023. The plan was however suspended at the time due to lack of funds and poor logistics.
Sources disclosed that the plot was allegedly revived in 2025 after a former governor of Bayelsa State Timipre Sylva was said to have transferred nearly one billion naira in tranches to three bank accounts operated by a Bureau De Change operator. Mr Sylva and a retired officer identified as Major General Adamu, both accused of financing the plot, are currently at large.
The investigation also identified retired Major General Adamu as a key figure in the network. He is believed to have fled the country alongside three other suspects, one of whom was tracked to a South American country. Security agencies have declined to disclose exact locations for operational reasons.
Multiple security and intelligence agencies are now working jointly to dismantle remaining cells linked to the conspiracy, with surveillance and cross border intelligence coordination ongoing.
Authorities are said to be awaiting presidential approval to constitute a court martial panel to try the soldiers involved. Sources familiar with the probe said at least 25 military officers and personnel are expected to face trial, while an unspecified number of civilians are currently in custody and being investigated by the EFCC and the SSS over alleged roles in financing logistics and coordination.
Earlier intelligence reports also revealed that top government officials were allegedly marked for assassination. Those named include President Tinubu Vice President Kashim Shettima Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, alongside service chiefs and commanders.
Investigators said the plotters relied on informants within the Presidential Villa to monitor movements of targeted officials and planned simultaneous attacks aimed at seizing strategic locations such as the Presidential Villa Niger Barracks the Armed Forces of Nigeria complex and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The full list of suspects obtained includes Brigadier General MA Sadiq Colonel MA Ma’aji Lieutenant Colonel S Bappah and several other senior and junior officers from different units. Civilians named include Umoru Zekeri a Julius Berger Villa electrician Ali Isah a villa ambulance driver and Stanley Kingsley Amandi a Nollywood actor allegedly hired to handle propaganda. Details of six other suspects remain unclear as of press time.
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