iDeemlawfulThe Nigerian military has reportedly carried out new arrests linked to an alleged attempt to topple the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Sahara Reporters, one of those detained is Major H. Yusuf of the Nigerian Army, a member of the 57 Regular Course who recently concluded his Senior Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.
Major Yusuf is being held alongside other suspects over what authorities have described as a coup plot, although specific details of the alleged scheme have not been made public.
Investigations into the matter have been underway since 2025, but no formal trial has commenced, and the full scope of the alleged conspiracy has yet to be disclosed.
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Observers have characterised the developments as lacking transparency.
Background
It was reported that the alleged plotters initially planned to obstruct the transfer of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu on 29 May 2023, during the presidential inauguration.
However, the plan was reportedly halted due to inadequate funding and insufficient logistical support.
The conspirators allegedly revived the plan in 2025 after Timipre Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State, allegedly transferred nearly N1 billion in multiple instalments into three separate bank accounts operated by a Bureau De Change operator.
Sylva and a retired officer identified as General Adamu, both accused of financing the alleged coup plotters, are reportedly still at large.
Subsequent investigations identified retired Major General Adamu as a central figure within the network. He remains at large, alongside three other suspects.
At least 16 military officers were initially detained for alleged direct involvement, but the establishment of a special investigative panel led by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiandeye, resulted in additional arrests, according to PREMIUM TIMES.
Further arrests later increased the total number of suspects to 40. Among them are MA Sadiq, a brigadier general attached to the Army Headquarters Garrison; MA Ma’aji, a colonel with the Defence Space Administration; and S Bappah, a lieutenant colonel serving at the 525 Signal Regiment, among others.
Other senior officers listed include Lieutenant Colonels AA Hayatu, P Dangnap, M Almakura, AA Jarma, and SM Gana from various battalions and special forces units.
The list also features majors, captains, lieutenants, non-commissioned officers, and civilians, including Umoru Zekeri, identified as a Julius Berger villa electrician; Ali Isah, a villa ambulance driver; and Stanley Kingley Amandi, an actor allegedly engaged as a propagandist.
The alleged plotters reportedly earmarked top officials for assassination, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
They were also said to have targeted Service Chiefs, Commanders, and the Guards Brigade, among others, for assassination.