iDeemlawfulAn interim investigation report into the alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has disclosed that a covert network of military officers, allegedly led by an Army Colonel (name withheld), planned a takeover, with funding, recruitment and coordination traced directly to him.
According to The PUNCH, the report stated that the officer mobilised sympathetic personnel across the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, tasking them with discreet surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, major barracks and international airports.
Investigators noted that the officer’s repeated failure in promotion examinations reportedly bred resentment, which he allegedly leveraged to attract other officers harbouring similar grievances.
The findings further indicated that the plot progressed beyond mere dissent into early operational stages, involving reconnaissance of strategic sites such as the Presidential Villa, the Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and airports in Abuja and Lagos.
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How plot was uncovered
The Defence Headquarters had, in October 2025, announced the arrest of 16 officers for acts of indiscipline and violations of service regulations.
Days later, SaharaReporters reported that officers ranging from Captain to Brigadier-General were detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency over alleged secret meetings to topple the government, linking the development to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.
At the time, the then Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau (retd.), dismissed the report as speculative, describing it as an internal disciplinary matter.
However, on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, confirmed that investigations had been concluded and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
How charms, documents, funding details were found
The interim report identified the Colonel as the alleged coordinator of the conspiracy. Investigators said a search of his vehicle uncovered charms and anti-government materials, while a raid on his residence in Lokogoma, Apo, Abuja, yielded what were described as “very sensitive documents.
”These reportedly included written role allocations for key actors and notes outlining how “key national dignitaries” were to be handled during the operation.
“Multiple testimonies implicate the Colonel as the coordinator of the conspiracy. He has been identified as the source of funding, recruitment and motivation,” the report stated.
Investigators alleged that financial inducements ranging from ₦2m to ₦5m were paid to some principal actors for logistics and mobilisation, with the funds traced to the Colonel and at least one major financier now under investigation.
The report added that the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit is analysing the financial trail.One suspect, Lt.-Col. S. Bappah, was identified as a key cooperating witness.
Investigators said his testimony detailed funding flows, recruitment methods and communication channels, strengthening the case against the alleged network.
Encrypted messaging platforms, including WhatsApp and Zangi, were reportedly used to coordinate activities, while discreet vehicle repairs and fund movements suggested early logistical preparations.
Targets, timeline, suspects
According to the findings, the foiled plot was allegedly scheduled for October 25, 2025, and investigators described it as intended to be fatal.
The report claimed that President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, service chiefs and other senior officials were marked for elimination.
The officers named as suspects 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; Maj. A.J. Ibrahim; Maj. M.M. Jiddah; Maj. M.A. Usman; Maj. D. Yusuf; Capt. I. Bello; Capt. A.A. Yusuf; Lt. S.S. Felix; Lt.-Cmdr. D.B. Abdullahi; Sqn. Ldr. S.B. Adamu; and Maj. I. Dauda.Maj. J.M. Ganaks and Capt. G. Binuga were said to be awaiting interrogation.
Most of the suspects are reportedly of northern origin, except Capt. Yusuf, who hails from Osun State.
Probe widens
Security sources told The PUNCH that the investigation has expanded beyond serving officers to include civilian contacts, financiers and political associates.
An earlier report alleged that the plotters infiltrated the Presidential Villa and compromised staff of a construction firm to obtain security information.
Sources said the name of a former minister surfaced during intelligence reviews, although no formal charges or arrest warrants have been issued.
“The investigation is not limited to uniforms alone,” a source said.
“We are examining communication trails, financial flows and political interfaces.”
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that indicted officers will face appropriate military judicial panels in line with the Armed Forces Act.
Investigators warned that the cross-service nature of the network, the involvement of senior officers and the focus on strategic installations pointed to deliberate coup-style planning.
“The threat posed was clear and immediate,” the report concluded, warning that failure to act could have had grave implications for national stability.