Nigeria’s security establishment has been thrown into tension following reports of an alleged coup plot involving 16 serving military officers accused of planning to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to multiple security sources, the suspects—drawn from different ranks of the Nigerian Army and related services—were arrested and detained over allegations that they were involved in a coordinated plan to dismantle the country’s democratic government and install a military regime.
Those reportedly under investigation include one brigadier general, a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains, a lieutenant, a lieutenant commander, and a squadron leader. The most senior officer among the suspects is Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (N/10321), who is believed to be the alleged leader of the plot.
Security sources further allege that the plan extended beyond a seizure of power, claiming that the officers discussed the assassination of top political leaders. Those named as potential targets include President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
The alleged plot has been described by insiders as one of the most audacious threats to Nigeria’s democracy in recent years, coming amid heightened concerns over political stability and security challenges across the country.
The officers reportedly detained in connection with the alleged plot are:
Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq
Colonel M. A. Ma’aji
Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah
Lieutenant Colonel P. Dangnap
Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu
Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura
Major A. J. Ibrahim
Major M. M. Jiddah
Major M. A. Usman
Major D. Yusuf
Major I. Dauda
Captain Ibrahim Bello
Captain A. A. Yusuf
Lieutenant S. S. Felix
Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi
Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Defence Headquarters or the Presidency confirming the arrests or detailing the status of the investigation.
Military authorities are said to be conducting internal probes, while the suspects remain in custody.
Observers note that Nigerian law presumes all suspects innocent until proven guilty, and analysts have urged the authorities to ensure transparency and due process as investigations continue.