Attempted coup
DHQ Concludes Probe Into Alleged Coup Plot, Names Army Colonel as Central Figure
By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has concluded a comprehensive investigation into allegations of a coup plot involving serving military officers, with an Army Colonel (name withheld) identified as the alleged coordinator of the conspiracy.
According to an interim investigation report forwarded to superior military authorities, the plot had progressed beyond internal grievances and entered the early stages of operational planning, including covert surveillance of strategic national assets.
The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed on Monday that the investigation was conducted in line with established military procedures and that indicted personnel would be subjected to appropriate military judicial processes.
From Internal Discipline to National Security Threat
The alleged plot first came to public attention in October 2025 following the arrest of 16 military officers across the Army, Navy, and Air Force for acts described as serious breaches of service regulations.
At the time, the former Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau (retd.), dismissed media reports of a coup attempt, describing the issue as an internal disciplinary matter and assuring that an investigative panel had been set up.
However, fresh findings from the interim report now suggest the existence of a coordinated and structured conspiracy aimed at overthrowing the democratically elected government.
Colonel Accused of Coordination, Funding, and Recruitment.
Investigators allege that the Colonel, who reportedly failed promotion examinations on two occasions, leveraged his dissatisfaction to mobilise like-minded officers across different services.
The report states that he allegedly provided funding, motivation, and operational direction, while openly expressing the need to “change the government.”
Multiple testimonies from suspects reportedly identified him as the central figure responsible for recruitment and financial inducements, with sums ranging between ₦2 million and ₦5 million allegedly distributed for logistics and mobilisation.
Surveillance of Key Installations Uncovered
According to the findings, officers involved in the alleged plot conducted discreet surveillance of sensitive locations, including the Presidential Villa, the Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and international airports in Abuja and Lagos.
Investigators said intelligence on “disgruntled elements within the Armed Forces and the civil populace” triggered arrests, interrogations, and link analysis that exposed what they described as deliberate coup-style planning.
Searches Yield Sensitive Materials
Searches conducted on the Colonel’s vehicle reportedly uncovered charms and anti-government materials, while a raid on his residence in Lokogoma, Apo, Abuja, allegedly revealed documents assigning operational roles to key actors.
The documents reportedly included notes on how prominent national dignitaries were to be handled during the operation.
Presidential Villa Security Breach Allegations
Investigations also revealed that some of the suspects allegedly obtained sensitive security details about the Presidential Villa after compromising staff linked to the construction firm, Julius Berger.
Officers in Custody
The officers reportedly in custody are Brig Gen M.A. Sadiq; Col M.A. Maaji; Lt Col S. Bappah; Lt Col A.A. Hayatu; Lt Col P. Dangnap; Lt Col M. Almakura; Maj A.J. Ibrahim; Maj M.M. Jiddah; Maj M.A. Usman; Maj D. Yusuf; Capt I. Bello; Capt A.A. Yusuf; Lt S.S. Felix; Lt Cdr D.B. Abdullahi; Sqn Ldr S.B. Adamu; and Maj I. Dauda.
Most of the suspects are of northern extraction, with the exception of Capt Yusuf, who hails from Osun State.
Alleged Timeline and Intended Targets
Investigators claim the foiled operation was scheduled for October 25, 2025, and was allegedly intended to be lethal, with President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, service chiefs, and other senior government officials marked as targets.
The report warned that the cross-service composition of the network and the involvement of senior officers heightened the threat level and justified swift intervention.
Financial and Political Links Under Review
Financial trails linked to the alleged plot are reportedly being analysed by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, while encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Zangi were allegedly used to coordinate activities.
One of the suspects, Lt Col S. Bappah, reportedly emerged as a key cooperating witness, providing details on recruitment methods, funding flows, and communication channels.
Security sources said the investigation has expanded to include civilian contacts, financiers, and possible political associates, including a former minister whose name surfaced during intelligence reviews. No charges have been filed against the individual, who is reportedly outside the country.
“The investigation is not limited to uniforms alone,” a source said. “It is about due diligence, not presumption of guilt.”
Next Steps
The Defence Headquarters said all indicted personnel would be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels, warning that failure to act promptly could have had grave implications for national stability.