An interim investigation report into the alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has revealed that a serving Army Colonel (name withheld) allegedly coordinated a clandestine network of military officers across the Armed Forces with the aim of overthrowing the government.
According to the report, sighted on Tuesday, the alleged plot involved officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, with funding, recruitment, and early-stage operational planning traced directly to the Colonel. Investigators said his alleged disaffection stemmed from repeated failures to secure promotion, which reportedly fuelled his grievances against the system.
The report stated that the officer mobilised like-minded personnel and assigned them to covertly survey critical national installations, including the Presidential Villa, major military barracks, and international airports in Abuja and Lagos.
In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. Shortly after, media reports linked the arrests to an alleged coup plot, claiming the officers had held secret meetings aimed at toppling the government, an allegation initially dismissed by the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau (retd.), as an internal disciplinary matter.
However, providing an update on Monday, the current Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, confirmed that a comprehensive investigation had since been concluded in line with military procedures and forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
The interim report described the Colonel as the central coordinator of the plot, noting that the conspiracy had advanced beyond “casual dissent” into early operational planning. Investigators cited covert surveillance of strategic assets such as the Presidential Villa, the Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major airports as evidence of deliberate coup-style preparation.
According to the report, intelligence on disgruntled elements within the Armed Forces and civilian circles led to arrests, interrogations, and link analysis, which uncovered what investigators described as a structured and well-funded conspiracy.
Searches reportedly conducted on the Colonel’s vehicle allegedly uncovered charms and anti-government materials, while a raid on his residence in Lokogoma, Apo, Abuja, yielded sensitive documents detailing assigned roles for key actors and notes on how “key national dignitaries” were to be handled during the operation.
The report further alleged that financial inducements ranging from ₦2 million to ₦5 million were distributed to some officers for logistics and mobilisation, with encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Zangi used to coordinate activities. Investigators said a financial trail linked to at least one major financier is currently under analysis by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
One of the suspects, Lt. Col. S. Bappah, reportedly emerged as a key witness after admitting his role and providing details on recruitment, funding flows, and communication channels, thereby strengthening the case against the alleged plotters.
The foiled coup was allegedly planned for October 25, 2025, with investigators claiming that the plot included plans to eliminate the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, service chiefs, and other senior government officials.
The DHQ has stated that officers indicted following the investigation would be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels. Those reported to be in custody include senior officers up to the rank of Brigadier-General, while additional suspects are still being traced.
Security sources also confirmed that investigations have expanded beyond military personnel to include civilian contacts, financiers, and alleged political associates, with intelligence reviews reportedly revealing the name of a former minister. However, no formal charges or arrest warrants have been issued, as the individual is said to be outside the country.
The interim report concluded that the alleged plot posed a clear and immediate threat to national stability, justifying swift preventive action to dismantle the network, secure sensitive installations, and disrupt funding channels.
