“Leader Of Plot Suspected” — Identities Of 16 Military Officers Detained Over Foiled Coup Plot Revealed

As investigations into the foiled coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration continue, PREMIUM TIMES has obtained exclusive details on the identities of 16 senior military officers allegedly involved in the plot. Sources say the officers were detained amid speculation that the coup was linked to dissatisfaction over the low-key Independence Day celebrations on October 1, a claim the Defence Headquarters has denied while otherwise remaining silent.

Sources familiar with the ongoing probe said 14 of the 16 detained officers are from the Nigerian Army, while the remaining two are from the Navy and the Air Force. Among the army officers, 12 belong to the Infantry Corps, the army’s frontline combat unit. One officer is from the Signals Corps, which handles military communications, and another serves in the Ordnance Corps, responsible for procuring, storing, and maintaining weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and other essential hardware.

The army officers include a brigadier general, a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains, and a lieutenant. The Navy and Air Force officers are a lieutenant commander, the naval equivalent of a major, and a squadron leader, holding the same rank equivalence in the Air Force.

The Nigerian government and the military have so far remained silent on the coup plot, with the Defence Headquarters only stating that the incident was not the reason for the subdued Independence Day celebrations on October 1.

Profiles of Officers in Detention

1. Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq – Born 3 January 1974, an indigene of Nasarawa State, trained as an NDA cadet from 1992 to 1997. Suspected leader of the coup plot, he previously made headlines for alleged diversion of rice palliatives and selling of military equipment. He has served as Commander of the 3rd Brigade in Kano and Garrison Commander of the 81 Division in Lagos.
2. Colonel M.A. Ma’aji – Born 1 March 1976, from Niger State, promoted to colonel in 2017. He served as Commanding Officer of 19 Battalion in Okitipupa, Ondo State, and took part in Operation Crocodile Smile II and Operation Delta Safe.
3. Lt. Colonel S. Bappah – Born 21 June 1984, from Bauchi State, member of the Signals Corps, trained at NDA 2004–2008.
4. Lt. Colonel A.A. Hayatu – Born 13 August 1983, from Kaduna State, infantry corps officer, trained 2004–2008.
5. P. Dangnap – Born 1 April 1986, Plateau State, infantry corps, previously court-martialed in 2015 for Boko Haram-related offences.
6. Lt. Colonel M. Almakura – Born 18 March 1983, Nasarawa State, infantry corps, trained 2004–2008.
7. Major A.J. Ibrahim – Born 12 June 1987, Gombe State, infantry corps, became captain in 2013.
8. Major M.M. Jiddah – Born 9 July 1985, Katsina State, infantry corps.
9. Major M.A. Usman – Born 1 April 1989, FCT, infantry corps.
10. Major D. Yusuf – Born 26 May 1988, Gombe State, Ordnance Corps.
11. Major I. Dauda – Born 26 November 1983, Jigawa State, infantry officer through Direct Short Service Commission.

The remaining five officers, whose details are sketchy, include:

12. Captain Ibrahim Bello – Born 28 July 1987, Direct Short Service Commission Course 43.
13. Captain A.A. Yusuf – Army captain, service number N/16724.
14. Lieutenant S.S. Felix – Army lieutenant, service number N/18105.
15. Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi – Nigerian Navy personnel, service number NN/3289.
16. Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu – Air Force, service number NAF/3481.

Investigators continue to probe the alleged roles of the officers in the coup plot, but authorities have not confirmed any charges or formal statements at this stage.

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