Security Probe Identifies Dozens Over Alleged Plot to Overthrow Tinubu Government

Spread the love

Nigerian security authorities have reportedly concluded investigations into an alleged conspiracy aimed at forcefully removing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with about 40 individuals identified across the military, police, and civilian sectors.

According to information from security sources, those implicated include senior military officers, a serving police officer, and several civilians said to have played different roles ranging from intelligence gathering and logistics coordination to financing and propaganda.

Reports indicated that the State Security Service (SSS) arrested 13 suspects, comprising two military personnel—one retired—alongside one police officer and ten civilians believed to be connected to the alleged scheme.

Separately, another group of 16 military officers was detained over claims of direct participation in the plot. Two civilians were reportedly held for reconnaissance activities, while two others were accused of attempting to incite unrest to create conditions for a takeover. Five additional suspects were linked to alleged funding arrangements.

Security operatives also disclosed that one detained soldier briefly escaped custody but was later recaptured by SSS personnel in Bauchi State.

Investigations Completed, Military Trials Expected

The Defence Headquarters confirmed that the probe has been finalised and submitted to the appropriate authorities in line with military procedures.

Military officials described the findings as involving several officers accused of actions inconsistent with the ethics and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly allegations related to attempts to undermine the government.

Sources familiar with the matter said no fewer than 25 military personnel may face court-martial proceedings over their alleged roles.

Meanwhile, some civilian suspects remain in custody and are being investigated by both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the SSS for alleged involvement in coordination, logistics, and funding.

Claims About How the Alleged Plan Emerged

Investigators reportedly traced the origin of the alleged conspiracy to efforts aimed at disrupting the transition from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu on May 29, 2023. The plan was said to have stalled at the time due to insufficient resources and logistical setbacks.

Intelligence reports further suggested that the plot was allegedly revived in 2025 following claims that former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva transferred close to ₦1 billion into accounts linked to a Bureau de Change operator.

Retired Major General Adamu was identified by investigators as a key figure in the alleged network. He, alongside Sylva and three other suspects, was said to be currently at large. One fleeing suspect was reportedly traced to South America, although additional details were withheld.

Senior Officials Allegedly Marked as Targets

Security sources alleged that the conspiracy included plans targeting top government figures, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

According to the reports, the suspected planners intended to act while all the officials were within the country.

Senior military leaders—such as service chiefs, Guards Brigade commanders, and other strategic officers—were also reportedly identified as potential targets. Intelligence assessments further claimed that informants within the Presidential Villa were monitoring the movements of key officials.

Investigators added that certain officers were allegedly assigned roles involving the takeover of strategic locations, including the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces Headquarters, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Profile of Suspects Across Military and Civilian Circles

Among those mentioned are high-ranking officers such as Brigadier General M.A. Sadiq of Army Headquarters Garrison, Colonel M.A. Ma’aji of the Defence Space Administration, and Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah of the 525 Signal Regiment.

Other individuals listed include several lieutenant colonels, majors, captains, lieutenants, and non-commissioned officers serving in different formations.

Civilian suspects identified in the report include Umoru Zekeri, described as an electrician working at the Presidential Villa; Ali Isah, an ambulance driver attached to the Villa; and Stanley Kingsley Amandi, an actor allegedly linked to propaganda activities.

As of the time of reporting, details regarding six additional suspects were still unclear.

Individuals Named and Their Reported Affiliations

The list below reflects names and units as cited by security sources:

MA Sadiq (Brigadier General) – Army Headquarters Garrison
MA Ma’aji (Colonel) – Defence Space Administration
S Bappah (Lt. Colonel) – 525 Signal Regiment
AA Hayatu (Lt Colonel) – 130 Battalion Main, Ogoja, Cross River State
P Dangnap (Lt Colonel) – 134 Special Force Battalion
M Almakura (Lt Colonel) – 197 Special Force Battalion
AA Jarma (Lt Colonel) – CO, 35 Battalion Katsina
SM Gana (Lt Colonel) – 115 Task Force Battalion
AD Dauda (Major) – Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji
JM Ganaks (Major) – Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji
AJ Ibrahim (Major) – Army Headquarters, Dept. of Policy and Plans
MM Jiddah (Major) – 26 Battalion
MA Usman (Major) – 35 Battalion
D Yusuf (Major) – Forward Operating Base Molai
J Iliyasu (Major) – 3 Division Garrison
A Mohammed (Major) – 63 Brigade Garrison
DB Abdullahi (Lt. Cdr) – Naval Base Abuja
SB Adamu (Sqn Ldr) – National Counter Terrorism Centre
NG Zuzu (Sqn Ldr) – Nigeria Air Force Headquarters Camp
G Binuga (Captain) – 1 NMF Brigade
AA Yusuf (Captain) – Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration
Bello (Captain) – 82 Division Garrison
SS Felix (Lieutenant) – 81 Division Provost Group
J Aminu (Lieutenant) – Directorate of Army Public Relations
Nasiru Ibrahim (WO) – 82 Division Garrison
Sanda Usman (Sergeant) – 167 Special Force Battalion
Mohammed Zubairu (Sergeant) – 177 Guards Battalion
Momoh Audu (Corporal) – 343 Artillery Regiment
Ahmed Ibrahim (Inspector) – 24 Police Mobile Force, Presidential Villa
EO Victor (Navy Captain, Rtd.) – Port Harcourt
Umoru Zekeri – Villa Electrician
Y Nasiru (Lance Corporal) – 82 Division Garrison
Sambo Danladi (Lance Corporal) – 82 Division Garrison
Abdul Abdullahi (Staff Sergeant) – 82 Division Garrison
Ali Isah – Villa Ambulance Driver
ML Mohammed (Captain) – 18 Battalion
UI Yusuf (Wing Commander) – Helicopter Flying School, Enugu
IM Gana (Major General, Rtd.) – Army Estate, Kubwa, Abuja
Stanley Kingsley Amandi – Alleged Propagandist
Goni Bukar