Fresh revelations have emerged from an ongoing military investigation into the alleged coup plot involving several senior officers, as intelligence operatives reportedly uncovered about ₦11 billion in the bank accounts of a detained colonel.
According to security sources, the discovery has further linked the officer — who previously served under a brigadier general now also under probe — to the suspected plot to overthrow the government.
During interrogation, the colonel allegedly claimed that the funds belonged to a former governor, whom he described as his “business partner.” He maintained that the money was for a legitimate business transaction.
The probe, which began after intelligence reports in August 2024, suggested an underground plan by some serving officers to topple the government. The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) reportedly tracked communications, financial transactions, and foreign meetings linked to the suspects for months before their arrests.
“The coup plotters have been monitored since August 2024,” a senior source revealed. “They planned to strike on three different occasions — including June 12 (Democracy Day) and October 1 (Independence Day). They even met in the UK and Turkey, but the DIA already had eyes on them.”
Presidential Security Measures
Security intelligence reportedly influenced adjustments to President Bola Tinubu’s movements, including his extended stays in Lagos and reduced presence in Abuja.
“There was credible intelligence that the coup was to be carried out on October 1,” another source noted. “That was why the Independence Day celebration was quietly cancelled.”
Sacking of Service Chiefs
The report adds that Tinubu’s dismissal of all service chiefs last week was partly linked to the handling of the coup investigation.
Sources said the removal of the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, followed what was described as a “management error” after the Defence Headquarters publicly confirmed the arrest of 16 officers — a disclosure viewed as premature.
“That announcement should never have been made,” one source said. “It risked causing panic and giving legitimacy to the plot. The President had to replace all service chiefs to avoid singling out Musa.”
Broader Investigation
Some of the indicted officers are reportedly from Nasarawa, Niger, Kaduna, Plateau, Gombe, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, and the FCT.
Authorities have kept details under wraps to prevent political or ethnic tension within the military hierarchy.
Last week, President Tinubu decorated the new service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, charging them to intensify efforts against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats across the country.
“Take the fight to those disturbing the peace of our nation,” Tinubu told them during the ceremony.
