An interim investigation into an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has revealed that a secret network of military officers, led by a serving Army Colonel, planned to seize power, with recruitment, funding, and operational coordination traced directly to him.
According to a report obtained by The PUNCH, the Colonel reportedly mobilised personnel across the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, tasking them with covertly surveilling key national installations, including the Presidential Villa, major barracks, and international airports in Abuja and Lagos. Investigators say repeated failures in promotion exams contributed to the officer’s dissatisfaction, which he leveraged to recruit others with similar grievances.
The report indicates that the plot extended beyond mere dissent, involving early operational planning and reconnaissance of strategic sites such as the Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks, and critical airports.
In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters announced the arrest of 16 officers over disciplinary breaches. Shortly after, SaharaReporters claimed the arrests were connected to secret meetings to overthrow the government, reportedly linked to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade. At the time, then-Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau (retd.), dismissed the media reports as speculative, describing the matter as an internal disciplinary issue.
On Monday, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, the new Director of Defence Information, confirmed that investigations had concluded and the report was forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
Evidence Found
Investigators identified the Colonel as the central coordinator of the conspiracy. Searches of his vehicle reportedly uncovered charms and anti-government materials, while a raid on his residence in Lokogoma, Abuja, yielded “sensitive documents,” including role assignments and notes on handling “key national dignitaries” during the alleged operation.
The interim report states: “Multiple testimonies implicate the Colonel as the source of funding, recruitment, and motivation for this network.” Financial inducements between ₦2 million and ₦5 million were allegedly paid to principal actors for logistics and mobilisation, with funds traced to the Colonel and at least one financier under investigation. The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit is analysing the transactions.
Lt.-Col. S. Bappah, identified as a cooperating witness, provided detailed testimony outlining recruitment strategies, funding flows, and communication channels. Encrypted platforms, including WhatsApp and Zangi, were reportedly used to coordinate the plot, alongside discreet logistical preparations such as vehicle repairs and fund movements.
Plot Details
Investigators say the coup attempt was planned for October 25, 2025, with intended targets including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, service chiefs, and other senior officials.
The officers named in the report include: Brig.-Gen. M.A. Sadiq; Col. M.A. Maaji; Lt.-Col. S. Bappah; Lt.-Col. A.A. Hayatu; Lt.-Col. P. Dangnap; Lt.-Col. M. Almakura; Maj. A.J. Ibrahim; Maj. M.M. Jiddah; Maj. M.A. Usman; Maj. D. Yusuf; Capt. I. Bello; Capt. A.A. Yusuf; Lt. S.S. Felix; Lt.-Cmdr. D.B. Abdullahi; Sqn. Ldr. S.B. Adamu; and Maj. I. Dauda. Maj. J.M. Ganaks and Capt. G. Binuga were reportedly awaiting interrogation. Most suspects are of northern origin, except Capt. Yusuf from Osun State.
Investigation Expands
Security sources told The PUNCH that the probe has widened to include civilian contacts, financiers, and political associates. Intelligence reviews revealed the plotters allegedly infiltrated the Presidential Villa and compromised staff of Julius Berger to obtain security information. The investigation reportedly uncovered the name of a former minister, though no formal charges or arrests have been made.
“The investigation is not limited to military personnel alone,” a source said. “We are tracing financial flows, political connections, and communication networks.”
Defence Headquarters confirmed that indicted officers will face military judicial panels under the Armed Forces Act. The report stressed that the cross-service nature of the network, involvement of senior officers, and identification of strategic installations indicate deliberate coup planning.
“The threat was clear and immediate,” the report concluded, warning that failure to act could have had serious implications for national stability.
