Security agencies in Nigeria have concluded investigations into an alleged coup plot aimed at violently overthrowing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, identifying 40 suspects believed to have been involved in the conspiracy.
The group allegedly comprising serving and retired military officers, a police officer, and several civilians were reportedly involved in several layers of activity including intelligence gathering, funding, reconnaissance, logistics, and propaganda. The probe was carried out through a covert multi-agency intelligence operation coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service (SSS).
How the Suspects Were Apprehended
- 13 suspects were initially apprehended by the SSS — including two military personnel (one retired), one police officer, and 10 civilians.
16 military officers were arrested for direct participation in the plot.
Two civilians were alleged to have conducted reconnaissance duties, two were accused of trying to trigger civil unrest to justify a takeover, and five others were linked to funding operations.
One detained soldier reportedly escaped custody but was later recaptured in Bauchi State.
The Defence Headquarters has since confirmed that the investigation has been completed and forwarded its findings to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”
Plot Allegations and History
According to security sources, the conspirators originally planned to disrupt the May 29, 2023 presidential handover from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu. That initial plan was reportedly abandoned due to insufficient logistical and financial backing but was allegedly revived in 2025 after large funds were moved through separate bank accounts linked to a Bureau De Change operator.
Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva and a retired officer identified as Major General Adamu are named as major figures linked to the financial network supporting the plot; both remain at large.
Investigators also allege that the conspirators had intentions to target top government officials, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, with plans to seize strategic locations such as the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport
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FULL LIST OF SUSPECTED COUP CONSPIRATORS
(40 names and their known unit/role):
- 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 Main, 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
- AJ Ibrahim – Major, Army Headquarters’ Policy & Plans
- MM Jiddah – Major, 26 Battalion
- MA Usman – Major, 35 Battalion
- D Yusuf – Major, Forward Operating Base 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
- G Binuga – Captain, 1 NMF Brigade
- AA Yusuf – Captain, Nigerian Army School of Finance & Adm.
- Bello – Captain, 82 Division Garrison
- SS Felix – Lt, 81 Division Provost Group
- J Aminu – Lt, Army Public Relations Directorate
- 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
- EO Victor – Navy Captain (Rtd), Port Harcourt
- Umoru Zekeri – Civilian, 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 – Civilian, Villa Ambulance Driver
- ML Mohammed – Captain, 18 Battalion
- UI Yusuf – Wing Commander, Helicopter Flying School, Enugu
- IM Gana – Major General (Rtd), Army Estate, Kubwa
- Stanley Kingley Amandi – Civilian Propagandist
- Goni Bukar – Civilian (status unspecified)
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What’s Next?
Security agencies say at least 25 military personnel are likely to face court-martial or trial proceedings, while EFCC and the SSS continue investigations into the remaining civilians and financial networks connected to the alleged plot.
Government officials, including the Defence Minister, have stated that the suspects will receive fair trials and that their families will be looked after during the legal process.
Source: Naijanews
