A new investigation by Premium Times has uncovered detailed profiles of sixteen senior Nigerian military officers currently detained over an alleged failed coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to military sources, fourteen of the detained officers serve in the Nigerian Army, while one each is from the Navy and Air Force. Of the army officers, twelve belong to the Infantry Corps, one to the Signals Corps, and another to the Ordnance Corps.
The group comprises a brigadier general, one colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains, and one lieutenant. The remaining two are a lieutenant commander in the Navy and a squadron leader in the Air Force.
Despite growing public interest, military authorities continue to deny the existence of any coup plot, insisting that the cancellation of the Independence Day parade on October 1 was unrelated to such rumours.
Profiles of Officers in Detention
1. Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq
Born January 3, 1974, Brig. Gen. Sadiq (service number N/10321) is reportedly the suspected leader of the coup plot. A native of Nasarawa State and member of NDA Regular Course 44, he rose to brigadier general in 2019. He previously commanded the 3rd Brigade in Kano and the 81 Division Garrison in Lagos. He was earlier investigated in 2024 over alleged diversion of rice palliatives and sale of military assets.
2. Colonel M.A. Ma’aji
A Nupe native from Niger State, Col. Ma’aji (N/10668) was born March 1, 1976, and joined the Army in 1995. He commanded the 19 Battalion in Okitipupa, Ondo State, and previously served in Operation Delta Safe. A member of NDA Regular Course 47, he also took part in Operation Crocodile Smile II.
3. Lt. Colonel S. Bappah
From Bauchi State, Lt. Col. Bappah (N/13036) was born June 21, 1984. He serves in the Signals Corps and belongs to NDA Regular Course 56.
4. Lt. Colonel A.A. Hayatu
An infantry officer from Kaduna State, born August 13, 1983. Member of NDA Regular Course 56, with service number N/13038.
5. Lt. Colonel P. Dangnap
From Plateau State, born April 1, 1986. A member of the Infantry Corps, Dangnap (N/13025) was previously court-martialed in 2015 over offences linked to the Boko Haram campaign.
6. Lt. Colonel M. Almakura
Born March 18, 1983, in Nasarawa State, Almakura (N/12983) is also a member of the Infantry Corps and NDA Regular Course 56.
7. Major A.J. Ibrahim
Born June 12, 1987, from Gombe State. An Infantry Corps officer (N/13065), trained between 2004 and 2008.
8. Major M.M. Jiddah
From Katsina State, born July 9, 1985. Member of NDA Regular Course 56 (N/13003), Infantry Corps.
9. Major M.A. Usman
Born April 1, 1989, from the FCT. Member of NDA Regular Course 60 (N/15404), Infantry Corps.
10. Major D. Yusuf
An officer of the Ordnance Corps, born May 26, 1988, from Gombe State. Member of NDA Regular Course 59 (N/14753).
11. Major I. Dauda
From Jigawa State, born November 26, 1983. Joined via the Direct Short Service Commission (Course 38). Infantry Corps, service number N/13625.
Other Detained Officers
12. Captain Ibrahim Bello — Born July 28, 1987. Member, Direct Short Service Commission Course 43 (N/16266).
13. Captain A.A. Yusuf — Infantry officer, service number N/16724.
14. Lieutenant S.S. Felix — Army officer, service number N/18105.
15. Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi — Naval officer, service number NN/3289.
16. Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu — Nigerian Air Force officer, service number NAF/3481.
Critics have accused the government of withholding details about the alleged coup, especially following President Tinubu’s dismissal of the service chiefs last week — a move that intensified public speculation.
However, the federal government insists that there was no coup attempt, describing the circulating reports as “false and exaggerated.”
