Military confirms coup plot, 16 officers indicted as Tinubu weighs action

The nation’s security landscape has been shaken by a development that, until now, remained shrouded in official denial.

The military has submitted its investigation report on the alleged coup plot to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the findings have drawn a stark contrast to earlier statements dismissing the claims.

Nationaldaily investigation reveals that the report confirms the coup attempt as “real”, contradicting earlier denials by some quarters.

The document, which has been reviewed by sources close to the Presidency, identifies 16 officers allegedly involved in the plot and recommends sanctions, including court-martial, pending presidential approval.

“The report clearly showed that there was an attempt by the detained officers to do what the media reported they planned to do,” a source in the Presidential Villa said.

The indictment spans several ranks and branches of the armed forces. The implicated officers include: 1 Brigadier-General; 4 Lieutenant Colonels; 5 Majors; 2 Captains; 1 Army Lieutenant; 1 Navy Lieutenant Commander and 1 Air Force Squadron Leader

Among them is Brigadier-General Musa Abubakar Sadiq, who has been identified as the suspected leader of the alleged plot. Sources say the report suggests Sadiq played a central role in the planning and coordination of the attempt.

The military’s report confirms what many Nigerians feared: that a coordinated effort to overthrow the government was underway. The findings were said to be backed by intelligence and internal evidence gathered during the investigation.

This conclusion marks a major shift from earlier narratives, which had downplayed the possibility of a coup and described the allegations as speculative.

The report also points to suspicions of external funding. A former southern governor is reportedly under investigation for allegedly financing the plot, though the allegations remain unverified.

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The inclusion of such a high-profile figure in the investigation has raised concerns about the political dimensions of the alleged coup and its potential implications.

The military’s findings have stirred public debate and political tension. Some Nigerians see the report as proof of deep-rooted instability within the armed forces, while others question the timing and motive behind the investigation.

For now, the nation waits as the President reviews the report and decides on the next course of action. The accused officers could face sanctions or court-martial, depending on the outcome of the review.

The report’s release has also reignited concerns about the welfare of the detained officers. Sources say some of the officers’ health has deteriorated since their detention, and families have reportedly been denied access.

In response, a civil rights group, the Concerned Pro-Democratic Activists of Nigeria, has called on the government to ensure humane treatment and due process for the detainees.

At a press conference in Lafia, the group’s chairman, Yusuf Musa Dauda, urged the government to allow family visits and medical attention for the officers, stressing that prolonged detention without trial contradicts democratic norms.

“We strongly condemn any act of overthrow of government undemocratically,” Dauda said, “but we urge authorities to look into this matter with fair judgment.”

A closer look at the list of accused officers reveals a mix of senior and mid-level personnel, with backgrounds in frontline and technical units.

The remaining accused officers include personnel from the Infantry Corps, Ordnance Corps, and technical units. Several were trained under the 56 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), and one joined via the Direct Short Service Commission.

The report’s submission marks a critical point in a saga that has gripped the nation. The President’s review will determine whether the accused officers will face disciplinary action, court-martial, or further investigation.

The unfolding events have brought into focus the delicate balance between national security and democratic governance — and the challenge of ensuring accountability while protecting the rights of citizens, even those accused of plotting against the state.