Forty Suspects Detained Over Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu’s Government
Nigerian security agencies have detained 40 suspects over an alleged plot to violently overthrow the democratically elected government of President Bola Tinubu.
Those arrested include senior military officers across the armed forces, a police officer, and civilians allegedly involved in reconnaissance, funding, and propaganda activities.
The suspects were identified following the conclusion of investigations coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service (SSS) through a covert intelligence operation.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, 13 individuals were apprehended by the SSS, including two military personnel—one of them retired—a police officer, and 10 civilians. Sixteen serving military officers were arrested for direct involvement, two civilians for reconnaissance duties, two for allegedly inciting civil disobedience to justify a coup, and five others linked to funding channels.
The newspaper also reported that one detained soldier escaped custody but was later rearrested by SSS operatives in Bauchi State.
On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations had been concluded and forwarded to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”
In a statement, the military said findings revealed “several officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” describing the conduct as inconsistent with the ethics and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Sources disclosed that the plot was initially planned to disrupt the handover of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu during the presidential inauguration on May 29, 2023. The plan was reportedly suspended due to lack of funds and logistical challenges.
However, the conspirators allegedly reactivated their plans in 2025 after a former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, was accused of transferring nearly N1 billion in multiple tranches through three bank accounts operated by a Bureau De Change agent.
A retired officer, identified as Major General Adamu, was also named as a key financier of the plot. Both Mr. Sylva and General Adamu remain at large, alongside three other suspects.
Intelligence sources revealed that one fleeing suspect has been tracked to a country in South America, though the exact location has not been disclosed for security reasons.
Multiple security agencies are now working jointly to dismantle remaining cells linked to the alleged plot, with continued surveillance and cross-border intelligence cooperation underway.
Among those listed by PREMIUM TIMES are Brigadier General MA Sadiq of the Army Headquarters Garrison, Colonel MA Ma’aji of the Defence Space Administration, and Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah of the 525 Signal Regiment.
Other officers named include Lieutenant Colonels AA Hayatu, P. Dangnap, M. Almakura, AA Jarma, and SM Gana, as well as several majors, captains, lieutenants, non-commissioned officers, and civilians.
Civilians listed include Umoru Zekeri, identified as a Julius Berger villa electrician; Ali Isah, a villa ambulance driver; and Stanley Kingley Amandi, described as an actor allegedly hired to serve as a propagandist.
