Fresh reports indicate that the Nigerian military has detained an additional 15 officers across various ranks over an alleged coup plot against the Federal Government, bringing the total number of arrested personnel to more than 40.
According to Vanguard, the new arrests followed revelations made during the interrogation of 16 officers earlier taken into custody. Security sources disclosed that the detained officers provided information about the roles their alleged collaborators were meant to play in what investigators have described as a “grand plot.”
The sources further revealed that intelligence agencies are currently analysing communication exchanges among the suspects, raising the possibility of further arrests as investigations deepen.
Breakdown of the First 16 Arrested Officers
Investigations confirmed that the first batch of detained personnel included:
- 1 Brigadier General
- 1 Colonel
- 4 Lieutenant Colonels
- 5 Majors
- 2 Army Captains
- 1 Lieutenant Commander (Navy)
- 1 Squadron Leader (Air Force)
- 1 Army Lieutenant
Their names were listed as:
Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (Nasarawa, 44th Regular Course);
Colonel M.A. Ma’aji (Niger, 47th Course);
Lt Col S. Bappah (Bauchi, 56th Course);
Lt Col A.A. Hayatu (Kaduna, 56th Course);
Lt Col Dangnan (Plateau, 56th Course);
Lt Col M. Almakura (Nasarawa, 56th Course);
Major A.J. Ibrahim (Gombe, 56th Course);
Major M.M. Jiddah (Katsina, 56th Course);
Major M.A. Usman (FCT, 60th Course);
Major D. Yusuf (Gombe, 59th Course);
Major I. Dauda (Jigawa, DSSC 38);
Captain I. Bello (DSSC 43);
Captain A.A. Yusuf;
Lieutenant S.S. Felix (DSSC);
Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi (Navy); and
Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu (Air Force).
Most of the officers reportedly belong to the Infantry, Signals, and Ordnance Corps.
Investigators Trace Funds to Former Governor, Minister
Insiders further disclosed that a substantial sum of money has been traced to the network allegedly behind the plot. Joint efforts by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other security agencies reportedly linked the funds to a former governor who also served as a minister of state.
The detained officers are said to be cooperating with investigators by revealing details of their recruitment process and assigned roles.
Although the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has not issued an official statement on the latest arrests, sources said the matter is being handled discreetly pending the conclusion of investigations.
Background
The development comes three weeks after the DHQ confirmed the arrest of 16 officers for “acts of indiscipline” and breaches of service regulations.
At the time, Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, explained that the arrests resulted from a routine internal military exercise, noting that the affected officers had longstanding grievances over stalled promotions and repeated examination failures.
“Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service,” Gusau said.
He added that the officers would face full military disciplinary procedures once investigations are concluded, stressing that the military remains firm on upholding discipline and loyalty within its ranks.
“The Armed Forces will not tolerate any behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority,” he stated.
Gusau reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to professionalism and the protection of the country’s democratic order.