Nigerian security agencies have reportedly wrapped up investigations into an alleged plot to violently overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, with intelligence findings linking no fewer than 40 individuals across the military, police and civilian population to the scheme.
According to information obtained by Naija News, the suspects were allegedly involved at different levels of planning, reconnaissance, funding and propaganda in what security officials describe as a coordinated attempt to destabilise the administration. The list is said to include serving and retired senior military officers, a police officer attached to the Presidential Villa, and civilians with access to sensitive facilities.
Security sources familiar with the probe disclosed that at least 13 suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Department of State Services, including two military personnel—one of them retired—one police officer and 10 civilians. In addition, 16 serving military officers were reportedly arrested for direct roles in the alleged plot, while two civilians were picked up for reconnaissance activities and another two for inciting civil disobedience as a pretext for military intervention. Five other suspects are said to be under investigation for allegedly facilitating funding channels.
“One detained soldier escaped custody but was later rearrested by SSS operatives in Bauchi,” a source told journalists, adding that the escape briefly complicated the operation before the suspect was tracked down.
The Defence Headquarters is said to have formally acknowledged the conclusion of the investigation, confirming that the case file has been transmitted to higher authority in line with military procedures. Military officials described the allegations against the implicated officers as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
A senior officer with knowledge of the process said, “At least 25 military officers and personnel are expected to face trial in connection with the coup attempt,” noting that court-martial proceedings are being prepared. Civilian suspects, whose exact number has not been fully disclosed, remain in custody and are being interrogated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the SSS over alleged roles in financing, logistics and coordination.
Investigators reportedly traced the origins of the alleged conspiracy to the period preceding the May 29, 2023 handover of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu. Intelligence sources said the initial plan failed due to funding shortfalls and logistical weaknesses but was revived in 2025 after nearly ₦1 billion was allegedly transferred through three bank accounts linked to a Bureau de Change operator.
A retired major general identified as Adamu was described as a central figure in the plot, alongside former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva and three other suspects who are said to have gone underground. One of the fleeing suspects has reportedly been traced to South America, though officials declined to release further details “for security reasons.”
Sources further alleged that the plot extended beyond a seizure of power to targeted assassinations of top government officials, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas. “They were waiting for a day when all of them would be in the country. Wherever they were, they would be assassinated,” one source claimed.
The plan allegedly included neutralising service chiefs, commanders of the Guards Brigade and other strategic officers, with informants said to be embedded within the Presidential Villa to monitor movements. Investigators also claimed that designated units were assigned to seize key installations such as the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces of Nigeria Complex and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Among those named in the investigation are Brigadier General M.A. Sadiq of the Army Headquarters Garrison, Colonel M.A. Ma’aji of the Defence Space Administration and Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah of the 525 Signal Regiment, alongside several other lieutenant colonels, majors, captains, junior officers and non-commissioned personnel drawn from army, navy and air force formations across the country. Civilian suspects reportedly include a Villa electrician, an ambulance driver attached to the Presidential Villa and an actor alleged to have been engaged as a propagandist.
Security officials stressed that all those listed remain suspects and are entitled to due process. “The investigations have been exhaustive, but the rule of law will take its course,” a source said, adding that further arrests are not being ruled out as intelligence reviews continue.
