An interim investigation into an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu has identified an Army Colonel as the central coordinator of a clandestine network of military officers accused of planning to overthrow the government.
The report, obtained on Tuesday, revealed that the Colonel allegedly provided funding, recruitment, and operational direction for the plot, which investigators say had progressed beyond dissent into early-stage execution.
According to findings, the officer mobilised disgruntled personnel across the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, assigning them roles that included covert surveillance of critical national assets such as the Presidential Villa, key military formations, and international airports in Abuja and Lagos.
Investigators linked the Colonel’s alleged actions to personal grievances, particularly repeated failures in promotion examinations, which reportedly fuelled his disaffection and drive to recruit like-minded officers.
He was said to have openly expressed frustration with his career stagnation and the need to “change government.”
In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
Shortly afterward, Sahara Reporters alleged that the officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier-General, were detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency for holding secret meetings aimed at toppling the government.
At the time, the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau (retd.), dismissed the reports as attempts to sow tension, insisting the matter was an internal disciplinary issue.
He disclosed that an investigative panel had been set up, with assurances that its findings would be made public.
Providing an update on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, confirmed that a comprehensive investigation had been concluded in line with established military procedures and forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
The interim report described the alleged plot as deliberate and structured, noting that surveillance had been conducted on strategic locations including the Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major airports.
Intelligence sources said the plot was uncovered following credible information on disgruntled elements within the Armed Forces and civilian population.
Searches conducted on the Colonel’s vehicle reportedly uncovered charms and anti-government materials, while a raid on his residence in Lokogoma, Apo, allegedly yielded sensitive documents detailing assigned roles to key actors and plans on how certain national dignitaries would be handled during the operation.
Multiple testimonies reportedly identified the Colonel as the primary financier and motivator of the conspiracy, with investigators alleging that financial inducements ranging from N2m to N5m were disbursed to some officers for logistics and mobilisation.
The Defence Headquarters has stated that personnel indicted in the probe will be arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel.
Those reported to be in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, several Majors and Captains across the services, as well as a Squadron Leader and a Lieutenant Commander.
The report noted that Lt Col S. Bappah had emerged as a key witness, allegedly cooperating fully with investigators and providing details on recruitment, funding channels, and encrypted communication platforms used to coordinate activities.
Investigators warned that the cross-service nature of the network, the involvement of senior officers, and the targeting of strategic installations elevated the threat level and justified swift preventive action.
While investigations continue, security sources disclosed that the probe has expanded to include civilian contacts, financiers, and possible political associates.
A former minister reportedly surfaced during intelligence reviews, though no charges have been filed and no arrest warrant issued.
“The investigation is not limited to uniforms alone,” a security source said.
“We are examining communication trails, financial flows, and political interfaces. That does not imply guilt, but due diligence.”
The alleged coup, which investigators say was planned for October 25, 2025, was described as potentially fatal, with the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, and service chiefs reportedly marked as targets.
Security agencies concluded that failure to disrupt the plot early could have had grave implications for national stability.
