The Nigerian military has reportedly carried out fresh arrests connected to an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Among those detained is Major H. Yusuf of the Nigerian Army, a member of the 57 Regular Course who recently completed his Senior Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji. He is being held alongside other suspects in relation to what authorities have described as a coup plot.
Investigations into the alleged conspiracy have reportedly been ongoing since 2025, although no formal trial has commenced and details of the supposed plan have not been made public. The lack of official disclosure has left many aspects of the case unclear.
According to available information, the plot was initially conceived to disrupt the transition of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu during the presidential inauguration on May 29, 2023. The plan was reportedly shelved at the time due to financial constraints and logistical challenges.
The alleged plot was said to have been revived in 2025 after large sums of money were reportedly transferred in multiple tranches to accounts operated by a Bureau De Change operator. A former Bayelsa State governor and a retired senior military officer were identified as key financiers of the plot, with both remaining at large.
Further investigations reportedly linked retired Major General Adamu to the network, alongside three other suspects who are yet to be apprehended.
Initial arrests reportedly involved at least 16 military officers accused of direct involvement. However, the establishment of a special investigative panel headed by the Chief of Defence Intelligence led to additional detentions, increasing the total number of suspects to about 40.
Those arrested are said to include senior officers such as brigadier generals, colonels, lieutenant colonels, majors, captains, as well as non-commissioned officers and civilians. Some civilians were reportedly accused of providing logistical and propaganda support.
The alleged plotters were also accused of planning attacks on top government officials, including the president, vice president, and leaders of the National Assembly, as well as senior military commanders and strategic security formations.
The unfolding case has raised serious concerns about national security, transparency, and the extent of information being withheld from the public.
