Nigerian soldiers raided the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, over an alleged coup plot under investigation by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The operation, conducted by a special military team, targeted Sylva’s home in the upscale Maitama district. Sources told Sahara Reporters that intelligence linked the former minister to clandestine meetings with detained military officers.
Sylva is believed to have fled the country. During the raid, his brother, identified as Paga, was arrested. The search also extended to Sylva’s residence in Bayelsa State.
The action follows President Bola Tinubu’s October 24 reshuffle of top military leadership, including the chiefs of army, navy, air force, and defence staff. The shake-up came amid reports of a coup investigation involving 16 officers detained earlier in the month for alleged indiscipline.
Though the military initially described the detentions as routine, sources say they are tied to a broader probe into anti-government activities. No official statement has been issued on the raid.
Sylva, a key ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari, served as petroleum minister from 2019 to 2023 and lost the 2023 Bayelsa governorship election to incumbent Douye Diri.
