Multiple security sources have confirmed that operatives of the Nigerian Army conducted a raid on the Maitama residence of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, in connection with intelligence reports linking him to secret meetings with some detained military officers.
A senior military source disclosed that a special operations unit carried out the raid, adding that Sylva, identified as “the South-South former governor” mentioned in earlier investigations, was believed to have fled the country. His brother, identified as Paga Sylva, was reportedly arrested during the operation, which also extended to the former governor’s residence in Bayelsa State.
Another security insider said the raid was not arbitrary, but a targeted response to intelligence connecting certain political figures — including two serving senators and a wealthy businessman from the Southeast — to the alleged coup discussions.
The operation took place days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reshuffled the nation’s military leadership, appointing new chiefs for the army, navy, air force, and defence units on October 24, 2025. The changes followed weeks of speculation about unrest within the Armed Forces and rumours of a coup attempt, which authorities have repeatedly denied.
Earlier in October, the Nigerian Army announced that 16 officers were being investigated for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.” While officials described the inquiry as a routine disciplinary measure, reports later suggested a possible link to a broader plan to destabilize the government.
Analysts say the military shake-up and ongoing investigations have deepened political unease, raising questions about possible internal power struggles within Nigeria’s security architecture.
Chief Sylva, a close ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari, served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources from 2019 to 2023 and was the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa election, which he lost to Governor Douye Diri of the PDP.
