BY GODWIN OBI/EFE MODESTUS
An interim investigation report into an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration has identified an Army Colonel as the alleged coordinator of a clandestine coup network involving officers across the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The report, obtained by Frontline Reporters, revealed that the unnamed Colonel allegedly coordinated recruitment, funding, and early operational planning for the plot, which investigators say went beyond casual dissent and entered the initial stages of execution.
According to findings, the officer, reportedly embittered by repeated failures to secure promotion, mobilised like-minded personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force. The network allegedly conducted covert surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, major military barracks and international airports in Abuja and Lagos.
The Defence Headquarters had earlier announced, in October 2025, the arrest of 16 military officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. The arrests followed intelligence reports of secret meetings allegedly aimed at destabilising the government.
At the time, the then Director of Defence Information dismissed public speculation of a coup plot, describing the matter as an internal disciplinary issue and assuring that an investigative panel had been constituted.
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 established military procedures and forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
The interim report described the Colonel as the central figure in the alleged conspiracy, noting that intelligence analysis uncovered a structured plan involving reconnaissance of sensitive installations such as the Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major airports.
Investigators said the plot was uncovered following intelligence on disgruntled elements within the military, leading to arrests, interrogations and link analysis that exposed what was described as a coordinated conspiracy to stage a coup d’état.
The report stated that the Colonel allegedly exploited grievances related to career stagnation to recruit officers, openly expressing dissatisfaction and advocating a change of government.
Searches conducted during the investigation reportedly uncovered charms and anti-government materials in the officer’s vehicle, while a raid on his residence in Lokogoma, Abuja, allegedly yielded sensitive documents detailing assigned roles to key actors and plans concerning the handling of prominent national figures.
Investigators said multiple testimonies identified the Colonel as the source of funding, recruitment and motivation for the network, with some officers reportedly receiving financial inducements ranging from ₦2 million to ₦5 million for logistics and mobilisation.
The report further indicated that encrypted messaging platforms were allegedly used to coordinate activities, while discreet logistical preparations suggested early-stage operational planning.
One of the suspects, Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah, was identified as a key cooperating witness. According to investigators, he admitted involvement and provided detailed information on recruitment methods, funding channels and communication structures, significantly strengthening the case.
The Defence Headquarters has stated that personnel indicted following the investigation would be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels.
Those reportedly in custody include officers ranging in rank from Captain to Brigadier-General, while two others were said to be under investigation and being awaited.
Investigators warned that the alleged plot posed a serious threat due to its cross-service nature, involvement of senior officers and identification of strategic installations for seizure — characteristics described as hallmarks of deliberate coup planning.
While investigations remain ongoing, security sources said swift action was necessary to dismantle the network, secure sensitive locations and disrupt funding channels sustaining the alleged conspiracy.
“The threat was clear and immediate,” the report concluded, warning that failure to act could have had grave implications for national stability.
Security agencies are also examining possible civilian and political linkages connected to the alleged plot. While the name of a former minister reportedly surfaced during intelligence reviews, no formal charges or arrest warrants have been issued, and investigations remain ongoing.
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2026-01-27