An interim investigation report into the alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s government has revealed that a network of military officers, coordinated by an Army Colonel (name withheld), planned to seize power, with recruitment, funding, and operational planning traced directly to him.
The report, obtained by The PUNCH on Tuesday, shows that the officer, reportedly frustrated by repeated failures in promotion, rallied like-minded personnel across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. They were assigned to secretly survey critical national installations, including the Presidential Villa, major barracks, and international airports.
In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. Shortly afterward, Sahara Reporters reported that these officers—ranging from Captain to Brigadier-General—had been detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency for holding secret meetings aimed at toppling the government, a development linked to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.
At the time, the then Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau (retd.), dismissed the media reports, calling the matter an internal disciplinary issue. He stated that a panel of inquiry had been constituted and promised that findings would be made public.
On Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, confirmed that the investigation had been concluded and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
The interim report identifies the Army Colonel as the alleged mastermind of the plot. Investigators noted that the conspiracy had moved beyond casual dissent and had entered operational planning, including reconnaissance of strategic sites such as the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks, and Abuja and Lagos international airports.
The report revealed that the Colonel exploited his discontent over stalled promotions to recruit officers with similar grievances. Searches of his vehicle reportedly uncovered charms and anti-government materials, while a raid on his residence in Lokogoma, Apo, recovered “highly sensitive documents,” including detailed role assignments for principal actors and notes on how key government officials would be targeted.
“Multiple testimonies implicate the Colonel as the coordinator, the source of funding, recruitment, and motivation,” the report stated. Financial inducements between ₦2 million and ₦5 million were allegedly disbursed to key actors for logistics and mobilisation, with at least one major financier also under investigation.
Lt.-Col. S. Bappah was identified as a key cooperating witness, providing investigators with detailed accounts of funding flows, recruitment strategies, and communication channels. Encrypted messaging platforms, including WhatsApp and Zangi, were reportedly used for coordination, while discreet vehicle repairs and cash movements indicated early-stage logistical preparations.
The foiled coup was allegedly planned for October 25, 2025, targeting President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, service chiefs, and other senior officials. The 16 officers 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.-Cmdr. D.B. Abdullahi; Sqn. Ldr. S.B. Adamu; and Maj. I. Dauda. Maj. J.M. Ganaks and Capt. G. Binuga are yet to be interrogated.
Most suspects are from northern Nigeria, except Capt. Yusuf, who hails from Osun State.
Investigators warned that the cross-service nature of the network, the involvement of senior officers, and the identification of strategic targets pointed to deliberate coup-style planning. “The threat posed was clear and immediate,” the report concluded, adding that failure to act could have had severe consequences for national stability.
The probe has also expanded beyond uniformed personnel to include civilian contacts, financiers, and possible political associates. Sources confirmed that the name of a former minister emerged during intelligence reviews, though no formal charges or arrest warrants have been issued.
“The investigation is not limited to uniforms alone,” one source said. “We are reviewing communication trails, financial flows, and political connections. This is part of due diligence, not a declaration of guilt.”
The Defence Headquarters has stated that all implicated officers will face military judicial panels under the Armed Forces Act.
