By Obinna Uballa
An interim investigation into an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration has uncovered what investigators describe as a coordinated and well-funded conspiracy spearheaded by a serving Army Colonel, whose name was withheld.
According to the report, sighted on Tuesday, the Colonel allegedly mobilised a clandestine network of officers drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, assigning them roles that included surveillance of strategic national assets and preparation for a violent takeover of government.
Investigators said the officer’s disaffection was partly driven by repeated failures to secure promotion, a grievance he reportedly leveraged to recruit like-minded officers while openly expressing the need to “change government.”
The plot allegedly involved covert reconnaissance of critical installations, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and international airports in Abuja and Lagos.
In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced the arrest of 16 officers for acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. Shortly after, Sahara Reporters linked the arrests to secret meetings allegedly aimed at overthrowing the government, claiming the plot was connected to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.
At the time, the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau (retd.), dismissed the claims as speculative, insisting the matter was an internal disciplinary issue and that an investigative panel had been set up.
However, providing an update on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, confirmed that a comprehensive investigation had now been concluded in line with established military procedures and forwarded to appropriate superior authorities.
The interim report identified the unnamed Colonel as the central coordinator, responsible for funding, recruitment and motivation. Investigators said the plot had gone beyond “casual dissent” and entered early operational stages, including intelligence gathering and logistical preparations.
Searches conducted on the officer’s vehicle reportedly uncovered charms and anti-government materials, while a raid on his residence in Lokogoma, Apo, allegedly yielded sensitive documents detailing assigned roles for key actors and notes on how “key national dignitaries” were to be handled during the operation.
“Multiple testimonies implicate the Colonel as the coordinator of the conspiracy,” the report stated, adding that he allegedly provided financial inducements and justification for the plot, while lamenting his stalled career.
The plotters reportedly infiltrated the Presidential Villa and allegedly compromised some staff of construction firm Julius Berger to obtain security-related information about the premises.
The New Diplomat had reported that the Defence Headquarters said on Monday that officers indicted in the investigation would be arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel.
Those reportedly in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M. A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda. Two others – Maj J. M. Ganaks and Capt G. Binuga – are said to be at large.
Investigators noted that most of the suspects are of northern extraction, with the exception of Capt Yusuf, who hails from Osun State.
The foiled coup was allegedly scheduled for October 25, 2025, and described as potentially fatal, with President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, service chiefs and other top officials reportedly marked for elimination.
According to the report, financial inducements ranging from N2m to N5m were allegedly distributed to some officers for logistics and mobilisation, while encrypted platforms such as WhatsApp and Zangi were used to coordinate activities. The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit is reportedly analysing financial trails linked to the plot, including the role of a suspected major financier now under investigation.
One of the suspects, Lt Col Bappah, reportedly emerged as a key witness, cooperating fully with investigators and providing details on funding flows, recruitment tactics and communication channels.
The report warned that the cross-service nature of the network, the involvement of senior officers up to the rank of Brigadier-General, and the targeting of strategic installations were classic indicators of deliberate coup planning.
While investigations continue and more suspects are being tracked, security sources said swift preventive action was necessary to dismantle the network, secure sensitive locations and cut off funding lines.
“The threat posed was clear and immediate,” the report concluded, warning that failure to act could have had “grave implications for national stability.”
Security agencies are also said to be examining possible political linkages, with the name of a former minister reportedly surfacing during intelligence reviews.
The New Diplomat had reported that Timipre Sylva, former minister of state for petroleum and former governor of Bayelsa State was fingered in the alleged coup plot, an accusation he strongly denies.
However, no formal charges have been filed, and no arrest warrant issued, as the individual is believed to be outside the country.
