Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies have reportedly concluded investigations into an alleged plot to violently remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office, uncovering a network of 40 suspects drawn from the military, police, and civilian population.
According to multiple reports, those implicated range from senior serving and retired military officers to a police officer and civilians accused of handling logistics, intelligence gathering, funding, and propaganda.
Arrests Across Military, Police, and Civilian Networks
Security sources disclosed that at least 13 suspects were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), among them two military officers—one retired—one serving police officer, and 10 civilians.
In addition, 16 military personnel were reportedly detained for alleged direct involvement in the plot.
Investigators also identified civilians assigned to reconnaissance duties, others accused of inciting civil unrest to create conditions for a takeover, and several individuals allegedly linked to funding channels.
One detained soldier reportedly escaped custody but was later tracked down and rearrested by DSS operatives in Bauchi State.
Investigation Concluded, Military Trials Loom
The Defence Headquarters is said to have formally concluded its investigation and transmitted its findings to the appropriate authorities in line with military regulations.
Officials described the alleged actions of the suspects as a serious violation of the professional values and ethical standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Sources familiar with the process indicated that no fewer than 25 military personnel may face court-martial proceedings over their alleged roles in the conspiracy.
Meanwhile, an undisclosed number of civilians remain in detention, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the DSS continuing parallel investigations into allegations of financing, logistics support, and coordination.
Origins and Revival of the Alleged Plot
Investigators revealed that the alleged coup plan dates back to 2023, when the plotters initially sought to disrupt the transfer of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu on May 29. That effort reportedly collapsed due to funding shortages and logistical constraints.
The conspiracy was allegedly revived in 2025 after former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva was accused of transferring close to ₦1 billion through multiple bank accounts reportedly operated by a Bureau de Change operator.
Intelligence sources claim the funds were intended to bankroll renewed coup preparations.
Retired Major General Adamu, identified as a central figure in the plot, alongside Sylva and three other suspects, is said to be on the run.
One fugitive has reportedly been traced to South America, though officials declined to release further details for security reasons.
Alleged Assassination Plans and Strategic Targets
Security sources further alleged that the plot extended beyond a military takeover to planned assassinations of top government officials, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
According to insiders, the conspirators were waiting for an opportunity when all targeted officials would be within the country.
Senior military leaders, including service chiefs and commanders of key formations such as the Guards Brigade, were also reportedly marked as targets.
Investigators said some suspects were assigned to seize critical national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces Complex, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Intelligence reports also pointed to alleged informants within the Presidential Villa tracking the movements of top officials.
High-Ranking Officers and Civilians Named
Among those listed as suspects are senior officers attached to strategic military units, alongside mid-level officers and non-commissioned personnel.
Civilians named include individuals reportedly working within the Presidential Villa, as well as an actor alleged to have been recruited to assist with propaganda efforts.
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Security officials noted that details surrounding six of the suspects remain unclear as investigations continue.
Full List of Alleged Suspects
Authorities have released a list of 40 individuals, including serving and retired military officers, police personnel, and civilians, along with their purported units and addresses.
The list features officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as civilians allegedly linked to logistics, intelligence gathering, and media operations.
Investigations remain ongoing, with security agencies insisting that all suspects will be afforded due process as the case moves toward military tribunals and civilian courts.
Below is the full list of the 40 suspects and their supposed units and addresses.
NAME – UNIT/ADDRESS
1. MA Sadiq (Brigadier General) – Army Headquarters Garrison
2. MA Ma’aji (Colonel) – Defence Space Administration
3. S Bappah (Lt. Colonel) – 525 Signal Regiment
4. AA Hayatu (Lt Colonel) – 130 Battalion Main, Ogoja, Cross River State
5. P Dangnap (Lt Colonel) – 134 Special Force Battalion
Others
6. M Almakura (Lt Colonel) – 197 Special Force Battalion
7. AA Jarma (Lt Colonel) – CO, 35 Battalion Katsina
8. SM Gana (Lt Colonel) – 115 Task Force Battalion
9. AD Dauda (Maj) – Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji
10. JM GANAKS (Maj) – Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji
11. AJ Ibrahim (Maj) – Army Headquarters’ Department of Policy and Plans
12. MM Jiddah (Maj) – 26 Battalion
13. MA Usman (Maj) – 35 Battalion
14. D Yusuf (Maj) – Forward Operating Base Molai (AHQ SG)
15. J Iliyasu (Maj) – 3 Division Garrison
16. A Mohammed (Maj) – 63 Brigade Garrison
17. DB Abdullahi (Lt Cdr) – Naval Base Abuja
18. SB Adamu (Sqn Ldr) – National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC)
19. NG Zuzu (Sqn Ldr) – Headquarters, Nigeria Air Force Camp
More Names
20. G Binuga (Captain) – 1 NMF Brigade
21. AA Yusuf (Captain) – Nigerian Army of the School of Finance and Administration (NASFA)
22. Bello (Captain) – 82 Division Garrison
23. SS Felix (Lt) – 81 Division Provost Group
24. J Aminu (Lt) – Headquarters Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR)
25. Nasiru Ibrahim – (WO) 82 Division Garrison
26. Sanda Usman (Sgt) – 167 Special Force Battalion
27. Mohammed Zubairu – (Sgt) 177 Guards Battalion
28. Momoh Audu (Cpl) – 343 Artillery Regiment
29. Ahmed Ibrahim (Inspector) – 24 Police Mobile Force, Presidential Villa
Others On The List
30. EO Victor (Navy Capt/Rtd) – 3 Abraham Avenue off Odili Road, Port Harcourt
31. Umoru Zekeri – Julius Berger, Villa Electrician
32. Y Nasiru (LCpl) – 82 Division Garrison
33. Sambo Danladi (LCpl) – 82 Division Garrison
34. Abdul Abdullahi (SSgt) – 82 Division Garrison
35. Ali Isah – Villa Ambulance Driver
36. ML Mohammed (Capt) – 18 Battalion
37. UI Yusuf (Wg Cdr) – International/Helicopter Flying School, Enugu
38. IM Gana (Maj Gen Rtd) – No 34 A Army Estate, Kubwa, Abuja
39. Stanley Kingley Amandi – Propagandist
40. Goni Bukar
