Security Sources Say Detained Officers Cut Across Army, Navy and Air Force Ranks as Investigation Continues
Nigerian security authorities have reportedly detained 16 military officers over their alleged involvement in a coup plot against President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The development has been described by sources as one of the most serious alleged threats to Nigeria’s democratic order in recent years.
According to reports, the suspects cut across different ranks of the Nigerian Armed Forces, indicating a coordinated and high-level operation. The officers are currently being held for investigation, while the military has yet to make a comprehensive public statement detailing the outcome of preliminary findings.
Rank Distribution of the Detained Officers
- 1 Brigadier General
- 1 Colonel
- 4 Lieutenant Colonels
- 5 Majors
- 2 Captains
- 1 Lieutenant
- 1 Lieutenant Commander
- 1 Squadron Leader
List of Detained Officers (as reported)
- Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (N/10321)
A senior Army officer believed to be the alleged coordinator of the plot, according to security sources. - Colonel M. A. Ma’aji
A high-ranking officer reportedly linked to strategic planning aspects of the alleged operation. - 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
Reportedly from the Nigerian Navy. - Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu
Believed to be affiliated with the Nigerian Air Force.
Sources allege that the officers planned to overthrow the civilian government and replace it with a military regime. The plot allegedly included plans to eliminate top political leaders, including the President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives. These claims, however, remain unproven and subject to ongoing investigations.
Official Position
As of the time of reporting, the Nigerian military has not released full details on the investigation, and the detained officers are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Observers say the case underscores the continued sensitivity of civil-military relations in Nigeria’s democracy.
