Nigeria’s military has identified a serving Army Colonel as the alleged coordinator of a clandestine plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu, according to an interim investigation report that has triggered arrests and the commencement of military judicial procedures.
The report, compiled after months of intelligence gathering and internal probes, concludes that the alleged plot moved beyond expressions of dissatisfaction and entered what investigators describe as early operational planning. Officers drawn from the Army, Navy and Air Force were allegedly recruited into a structured network tasked with reconnaissance of critical national assets, including the Presidential Villa, major barracks and international airports in Abuja and Lagos.
What Investigators Say Happened
According to the findings, the Colonel allegedly served as the central node of the conspiracy, coordinating recruitment, funding and motivation of participating officers. Investigators traced the origin of the plot to internal grievances, particularly frustration over stalled career progression, which they say was leveraged to rally like-minded personnel.
Searches conducted during the investigation reportedly uncovered documents detailing assigned operational roles, notes on handling key national figures, and materials described as anti-government in nature. Security officials also identified a financial trail linked to inducements allegedly paid to some participants, with amounts now under forensic review by financial intelligence authorities.
The Arrests and Why They Matter
In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. At the time, military authorities dismissed public reports of a coup attempt, stressing that the matter was an internal disciplinary issue.
That position has since shifted. On Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, confirmed that a comprehensive investigation had been concluded in line with military procedures and forwarded to superior authorities, paving the way for formal arraignment before a military judicial panel.
The escalation from internal discipline to judicial action is significant. It signals that the armed forces now view the matter not merely as misconduct, but as a potential threat to constitutional order requiring institutional accountability.
How the Military System Responds
Under Nigeria’s military justice framework, officers accused of grave offences are subjected to panels that examine evidence, hear testimony and determine culpability independently of civilian courts. Authorities say this process is designed to balance operational secrecy with due process, particularly in cases touching on national security.
Investigators also disclosed that one detained officer is cooperating with authorities, providing details on recruitment methods, communication channels and funding flows. Encrypted messaging platforms were allegedly used, alongside discreet logistical preparations, indicators that investigators say align with deliberate coup-style planning.
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Why This Case Is High Stakes
Security analysts note that the cross-service nature of the alleged network and the involvement of senior officers elevate the seriousness of the case. Coups in modern states rarely succeed without coordinated control of strategic infrastructure, making early detection critical.
Military authorities insist the swift disruption of the alleged network prevented escalation. They also stress that the armed forces remain loyal to the constitution and civilian authority, and that internal mechanisms are functioning to neutralise threats without destabilising the polity.
No official statement has been issued by the Presidency on the interim findings. The military has urged the public to avoid speculation while judicial processes run their course.
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