Nigerian security agencies have reportedly wrapped up investigations into an alleged coup plot targeted at the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, identifying no fewer than 40 suspects drawn from the military, police and civilian population.

According to some online news reports, those implicated include senior military officers, a police officer, and civilians allegedly involved in reconnaissance, financing, logistics and propaganda activities connected to the plot.

Security sources disclosed that 13 suspects were apprehended by the State Security Service, including two military personnel—one of them retired—one police officer, and 10 civilians.

An additional 16 serving military officers were arrested for alleged direct involvement.

Investigators revealed that two civilians were arrested for alleged reconnaissance duties, while another two were accused of inciting civil disobedience to create conditions favourable for a military takeover. Five others were reportedly linked to funding channels for the operation.

“One detained soldier escaped custody but was later rearrested by SSS operatives in Bauchi,” security insiders told Premium Times.

While several suspects remain in military custody, an unspecified number of civilians are still being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the SSS over alleged roles in financing, coordination and logistical support.

Court-Martial Expected as Military Confirms Probe

The Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations had been concluded and forwarded to appropriate superior authorities in line with existing regulations.

In a statement, the military described the findings as identifying “several officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” adding that such actions are “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that at least 25 military officers and personnel are expected to face court-martial proceedings.

Investigators revealed that the plot was initially conceived to disrupt the transition of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu on May 29, 2023.

However, the plan reportedly stalled due to funding shortages and logistical constraints.

The conspiracy was allegedly revived in 2025 after nearly ₦1 billion was transferred to three bank accounts operated by a Bureau De Change operator, intelligence sources said.

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, was named in connection with the alleged transfers.

Retired Major General IM Gana Adamu was identified as a key figure in the plot, alongside Sylva and three other suspects who are currently at large.

One suspect has reportedly been traced to South America, though further details were withheld for security reasons.

Alleged Assassination Targets Revealed

Security sources further alleged that the plot included plans to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

“They were waiting for a day when all of them would be in the country. Wherever they were, they would be assassinated,” one source said.

Other reported targets included service chiefs, commanders of the Guards Brigade and strategic security installations such as the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces Complex and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, confirmed that military officers arrested in connection with the foiled plot were fully aware of the consequences of their actions.

Speaking during an interview on TRT World, Musa said the 16 officers implicated—including a brigadier general and a colonel—“must have made up their minds” before engaging in what he described as a serious breach of military discipline and national security.

He assured that the accused would be granted a fair and transparent trial with access to legal counsel, adding that measures had been put in place to support their families during the judicial process.

“Even so, the government is ensuring that their families are treated fairly. Their wives and children will not be abandoned,” Musa said.

Security sources released a list of 40 individuals allegedly linked to the plot, including senior officers from the army, navy and air force, a police inspector attached to the Presidential Villa, and several civilians reportedly connected to logistics, funding and propaganda efforts.

Authorities stressed that investigations remain ongoing and that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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