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 detained include senior military officers from across the armed forces, a police officer, and several civilians allegedly involved in reconnaissance, funding, logistics, and propaganda activities.
The arrests followed a covert intelligence operation coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service (SSS). Sources familiar with the probe said 13 suspects were initially apprehended by the SSS, including two military personnel — one retired — a police officer, and 10 civilians.
An additional 16 serving military officers were arrested for direct involvement. Two civilians were reportedly engaged in reconnaissance, two others were recruited to incite civil unrest, and five suspects were linked to financing channels.
One detained soldier briefly escaped custody but was later rearrested in Bauchi by SSS operatives.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations have been completed and the findings forwarded to higher authorities in line with military regulations. It described the alleged actions as inconsistent with the ethics and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces.
ALLEGED PLOT DETAILS
According to sources, the conspirators initially planned to disrupt the May 29, 2023, presidential inauguration but postponed the move due to funding and logistical challenges.
The plan was allegedly revived in 2025 after funds amounting to nearly ₦1 billion were said to have been transferred through multiple tranches into accounts linked to a Bureau De Change operator. Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva and a retired officer identified as General Adamu were named as alleged financiers and are reportedly at large.
Retired Major General Adamu and three other suspects remain under surveillance, with intelligence agencies tracking some of the fleeing individuals, including one believed to have left the country.
Authorities are now coordinating surveillance and cross-border intelligence operations to dismantle remaining cells connected to the plot. Presidential approval is being awaited to convene a court-martial for the implicated soldiers.
Sources indicated that at least 25 military personnel may face trial, while several civilians are being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the SSS for their alleged roles.
ASSASSINATION TARGETS
Investigators also uncovered alleged plans to assassinate top government officials, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, as well as service chiefs and commanders.
Sources said the suspects allegedly relied on informants within the Presidential Villa to track the movements of targeted officials. The plan reportedly included simultaneous attacks and the seizure of strategic locations such as the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces Complex, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
LIST OF SUSPECTS
The individuals identified include:
MA Sadiq (Brigadier General) — Army Headquarters Garrison
MA Ma’aji (Colonel) — Defence Space Administration
S Bappah (Lt. Colonel) — 525 Signal Regiment
AA Hayatu (Lt. Colonel) — 130 Battalion, Ogoja
P Dangnap (Lt. Colonel) — 134 Special Force Battalion
M Almakura (Lt. Colonel) — 197 Special Force Battalion
AA Jarma (Lt. Colonel) — 35 Battalion, Katsina
SM Gana (Lt. Colonel) — 115 Task Force Battalion
AD Dauda (Major) — Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji
JM Ganaks (Major) — Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji
AJ Ibrahim (Major) — Army HQ Department of Policy and Plans
MM Jiddah (Major) — 26 Battalion
MA Usman (Major) — 35 Battalion
D Yusuf (Major) — Forward Operating Base, Molai
J Iliyasu (Major) — 3 Division Garrison
A Mohammed (Major) — 63 Brigade Garrison
DB Abdullahi (Lt Commander) — Naval Base Abuja
SB Adamu (Squadron Leader) — National Counter Terrorism Centre
NG Zuzu (Squadron Leader) — Nigeria Air Force Camp HQ
G Binuga (Captain) — 1 NMF Brigade
AA Yusuf (Captain) — NASFA
Bello (Captain) — 82 Division Garrison
SS Felix (Lieutenant) — 81 Division Provost Group
J Aminu (Lieutenant) — Directorate of Army Public Relations
Nasiru Ibrahim (Warrant Officer) — 82 Division Garrison
Sanda Usman (Sergeant) — 167 Special Force Battalion
Mohammed Zubairu (Sergeant) — 177 Guards Battalion
Momoh Audu (Corporal) — 343 Artillery Regiment
Ahmed Ibrahim (Inspector) — 24 Police Mobile Force, Presidential Villa
EO Victor (Retired Navy Captain) — Port Harcourt
Umoru Zekeri — Villa electrician
Y Nasiru (Lance Corporal) — 82 Division Garrison
Sambo Danladi (Lance Corporal) — 82 Division Garrison
Abdul Abdullahi (Staff Sergeant) — 82 Division Garrison
Ali Isah — Villa ambulance driver
ML Mohammed (Captain) — 18 Battalion
UI Yusuf (Wing Commander) — Helicopter Flying School, Enugu
IM Gana (Retired Major General) — Abuja
Stanley Kingley Amandi — Alleged propagandist
Goni Bukar
Security agencies say investigations and prosecutions are ongoing.
