Nigerian security agencies have concluded investigations into an alleged coup plot aimed at violently overthrowing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with 40 suspects identified so far.
Those implicated include senior military officers across the Army, Navy and Air Force, a police officer, and several civilians accused of involvement in reconnaissance, funding, logistics and propaganda activities.
Findings from the covert investigation—coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the Department of State Services (DSS)—have now been forwarded to appropriate authorities, according to Defence Headquarters.
Security sources said 13 suspects were initially arrested by the DSS, including two military personnel (one retired), a police officer and 10 civilians. In addition, 16 military officers were detained for alleged direct participation in the plot, two civilians for reconnaissance duties, two others for inciting civil disobedience, and five individuals linked to funding channels.
One soldier reportedly escaped from custody but was later rearrested by DSS operatives in Bauchi.
On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations had been concluded and transmitted to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.” The military described the alleged conduct of the officers involved as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
According to intelligence reports, the alleged plot was initially conceived to disrupt the handover of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu during the May 29, 2023 inauguration. However, the plan was reportedly suspended due to funding and logistical challenges.
Investigators said the plot was allegedly revived in 2025 after nearly ₦1 billion was transferred in tranches into accounts linked to a Bureau De Change operator. A former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, and a retired senior military officer identified as Major General Adamu (rtd) were named as alleged financiers. Both, alongside three other suspects, are said to be at large.
Security sources disclosed that one fleeing suspect was traced to a South American country, though exact details were withheld for security reasons. Multiple agencies are reportedly collaborating to dismantle remaining cells linked to the alleged conspiracy, including through cross-border intelligence coordination.
Authorities are also awaiting presidential approval to constitute a court-martial panel for the soldiers involved. At least 25 military officers and personnel are expected to face trial, while an unspecified number of civilians remain in custody under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the DSS.
Alleged Assassination Targets
Earlier intelligence reports indicated that top government officials were allegedly marked for assassination. Those named include President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, as well as Service Chiefs, Guards Brigade commanders and other senior officers.
Sources claimed the plot relied on informants within the Presidential Villa to monitor movements, with plans to simultaneously eliminate key figures and install a military government. Investigators also said some officers were assigned to seize strategic locations, including the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces of Nigeria Headquarters and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
List of Suspects
The list obtained by investigators includes serving and retired military officers, non-commissioned officers, a police officer and civilians:
- 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) – CO, 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, Policy and Plans
- MM Jiddah (Major) – 26 Battalion
- MA Usman (Major) – 35 Battalion
- D Yusuf (Major) – FOB 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) – NAF Headquarters Camp
- EO Victor (Navy Captain, rtd) – 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 (Major General, rtd) – Kubwa, Abuja
- Stanley Kingley Amandi – Alleged Propagandist
- 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) – 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
- Goni Bukar
Security agencies say investigations remain ongoing as efforts continue to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle all networks linked to the alleged coup plot.
