ABUJA: As investigations deepen into the alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, details have emerged about 16 senior military officers currently in detention in connection with the foiled attempt.
According to findings by Premium Times, the detained officers include personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, with 14 of them drawn from the Army. Twelve of the army officers belong to the Infantry Corps, the military’s frontline combat unit, while one each serves in the Signals Corps and the Ordnance Corps, responsible for communications and logistics.
The suspects comprise a brigadier general, a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains, a lieutenant, a lieutenant commander, and a squadron leader.
Although neither the military high command nor the Presidency has officially commented on the development, the Defence Headquarters earlier stated that the alleged coup was not the reason for the low-key Independence Anniversary marked on October 1.
Profiles of the Officers in Custody
1. Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq
Born on January 3, 1974, Sadiq, with service number N/10321, is alleged to be the ringleader of the coup plot. A member of the 44 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), he trained between August 1992 and September 1997.
An indigene of Nasarawa State, Sadiq rose to the rank of brigadier general in 2019 after being promoted colonel in 2015.
He has served as Commander of the 3rd Brigade in Kano and as Garrison Commander of the 81 Division, Lagos.
He was previously detained in 2024 over alleged diversion of rice palliatives and sale of military equipment.
2. Colonel M.A. Ma’aji
With service number N/10668, Ma’aji, born on March 1, 1976, hails from Niger State. A member of the 47 Regular Course of the NDA, he trained between 1995 and 2000.
He reportedly acted as a key strategist in the alleged coup, though that claim remains unverified. The infantry officer previously commanded the 19 Battalion, Okitipupa, Ondo State, and participated in Operation Crocodile Smile II in 2017.
3. Lt. Colonel S. Bappah
From Bauchi State, Bappah, 41, serves in the Signals Corps. His service number is N/13036. A member of the 56 Regular Course, he trained between 2004 and 2008.
4. Lt. Colonel A.A. Hayatu
Born on August 13, 1983, and hailing from Kaduna State, Hayatu (N/13038) is an infantry officer and a member of the 56 Regular Course.
5. Lt. Colonel P. Dangnap
An indigene of Plateau State, Dangnap, born April 1, 1986, was court-martialled in 2015 alongside others for offences linked to the Boko Haram war. The 39-year-old infantry officer (N/13025) also belongs to the 56 Regular Course.
6. Lt. Colonel M. Almakura
Also, from Nasarawa State, Almakura (N/12983) was born March 18, 1983. The infantry officer trained between 2004 and 2008 as part of the 56 Regular Course.
7. Major A.J. Ibrahim
Born June 12, 1987, Ibrahim (N/13065) is from Gombe State and serves in the Infantry Corps. He was promoted to captain in 2013 and belongs to the 56 Regular Course.
8. Major M.M. Jiddah
A Katsina native born July 9, 1985, Jiddah (N/13003) is also an infantry officer and member of the 56 Regular Course.
9. Major M.A. Usman
Born April 1, 1989, Usman (N/15404) hails from the Federal Capital Territory. He trained under the 60th Regular Course of the NDA from 2008 to 2012.
10. Major D. Yusuf
An officer of the Ordnance Corps, Yusuf (N/14753) is from Gombe State and a member of the 59th Regular Course (2007–2012).
11. Major I. Dauda
Dauda (N/13625) joined the army through the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC 38) between June 2009 and March 2010. The 41-year-old infantry officer is from Jigawa State.
12. Captain Ibrahim Bello
Bello (N/16266), born July 28, 1987, is a graduate of DSSC Course 43. Further details of his postings remain unclear.
13. Captain A.A. Yusuf
An army officer with service number N/16724. Limited information is currently available about his background.
14. Lieutenant S.S. Felix
The young officer, with service number N/18105, is among those held but without further details released.
15. Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi
A Nigerian Navy officer with service number NN/3289, Abdullahi holds a rank equivalent to major in the army.
16. Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu
Adamu, an Air Force officer with service number NAF/3481, is the only airman on the list. His rank corresponds to that of a major in the army.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, both the Defence Headquarters and the Ministry of Defence have yet to issue a formal statement on the arrests or the progress of investigations.
Security analysts say the case marks one of the most extensive internal probes of the Nigerian military in recent years, coming amid concerns about morale and internal discipline within the ranks.
