Nigerian security agencies have concluded investigations into an alleged plot to violently overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, identifying 40 suspects linked to the conspiracy,
Those implicated include senior military officers across the armed forces, a police officer, and several civilians allegedly involved in reconnaissance, funding, logistics, and propaganda operations.
Sources said the arrests followed a covert intelligence operation coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service (SSS).
According to findings obtained, 13 suspects were apprehended by the SSS. They include two military personnel (one retired), one police officer, and 10 civilians.
In addition, 16 serving military officers were arrested for direct involvement in the alleged coup plot. Two civilians were detained for reconnaissance duties, while another two were accused of being recruited to incite civil disobedience to justify military intervention. Five other suspects were linked to alleged funding channels.
One soldier initially escaped custody but was later rearrested by SSS operatives in Bauchi State, sources disclosed.
On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations had been concluded and forwarded to appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.
In a statement, the military said the probe uncovered several officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, describing such actions as inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Investigators revealed that the coup plot was initially conceived to disrupt the May 29, 2023 handover of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu.
However, the plan was reportedly suspended due to funding and logistical constraints.
Sources said the conspiracy was revived in 2025 after a former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, allegedly transferred nearly ₦1 billion in multiple tranches through accounts operated by a Bureau De Change operator to support the plot.
Mr Sylva and a retired officer identified as Major General Adamu, both accused of financing the operation, are currently at large, alongside three other suspects.
Intelligence officials disclosed that one fugitive had been traced to a South American country, though details of the location were withheld for security reasons.
Earlier investigations revealed that the plot allegedly included plans to assassinate top government officials.
Those listed as targets include President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, as well as Service Chiefs and Guards Brigade commanders.
The plan was to eliminate them simultaneously and install a military government, a source familiar with the investigation said.
Investigators also alleged that the conspirators had informants within and around the Presidential Villa, monitoring movements of key officials.
Authorities are now awaiting presidential approval to constitute a court-martial panel to try the soldiers involved.
At least 25 military personnel are expected to face trial, while an unspecified number of civilians remain in custody under the EFCC and SSS for alleged roles in financing, logistics, and coordination.
The list of suspects obtained includes:
-
Brig. Gen. M.A. Sadiq – Army Headquarters Garrison
-
Col. M.A. Ma’aji – Defence Space Administration
-
Lt. Col. S. Bappah – 525 Signal Regiment
-
Lt. Col. A.A. Hayatu – 130 Battalion, Ogoja
-
Lt. Col. P. Dangnap – 134 Special Forces Battalion
-
Lt. Col. M. Almakura – 197 Special Forces Battalion
-
Lt. Col. A.A. Jarma – Commanding Officer, 35 Battalion, Katsina
-
Lt. Col. S.M. Gana – 115 Task Force Battalion
-
Maj. A.D. Dauda – Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji
The list also includes junior officers, non-commissioned officers, and civilians, among them a Presidential Villa electrician, an ambulance driver, and an actor allegedly hired for propaganda purposes.
Details of six other suspects were still unclear as of press time.
