Military Delivers Explosive Report on Foiled Coup Plot to President Tinubu: Officers Indicted for Treasonous Scheme

By Tgnews Reporter

‎The Nigerian military has submitted a comprehensive investigative report to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu detailing the involvement of 16 detained officers in an alleged plot to overthrow his government.

‎Sources close to the investigation confirmed the handover on Monday, January 26, 2026, following months of intense scrutiny by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

‎The report, stemming from arrests made in October 2025, indicts the officers—ranging from captains to a brigadier-general—for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” which insiders describe as a euphemism for a genuine coup attempt.

‎”The report clearly showed that there was an attempt by the detained officers to do what the media reported they planned to do,” a high-placed source at the Presidential Villa told Daily Trust, adding that a brigadier-general was implicated for knowing about the plot but failing to report it.

‎Initial denials from the Defence Headquarters and the Presidency had dismissed rumors of a coup, attributing the arrests to routine disciplinary issues like career stagnation and promotion failures.

‎Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, then-Director of Defence Information, stated in October 2025 that the actions were “strictly disciplinary in nature” to maintain order within the ranks. Similarly, Special Adviser Sunday Dare emphasized sticking to the military’s narrative, rejecting claims of a broader conspiracy.

‎However, credible sources now reveal the plot’s authenticity, linking it to the abrupt cancellation of the October 1, 2025, Independence Day Parade.

‎The investigation also probed a former southern state governor suspected of financing the scheme, though details remain unconfirmed. Raids on the homes of former Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva in Abuja and Yenagoa led to his brother’s arrest, with Sylva’s aide denouncing the allegations as politically motivated smears.

‎The detained officers include Brigadier-General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (N/10321), suspected as the plot’s leader and previously detained for diverting palliatives; Colonel M.A. Ma’aji (N/10668), a key strategist; and others from various corps, predominantly infantry.

‎Twelve are from the Infantry Corps, with one each from Signals and Ordnance. Naval Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi and Air Force Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu are also among the group. Many are alumni of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s Regular Courses 44 through 60 or Short Service Commissions.

‎Sources indicate that some detainees’ health has deteriorated in custody, with families denied access. Activists from the Concerned Pro-Democratic Activists of Nigeria, led by Chairman Yusuf Musa Dauda, held a press conference in Lafia, Nasarawa State, urging the government to provide medical care, allow family visits, and either release the officers or charge them in court.

‎”We strongly condemn any act of overthrow of government undemocratically, but we urge authorities to look into this matter with fair judgment,” Dauda stated.

‎Presidential advisers Bayo Onanuga and Daniel Bwala did not respond to requests for comment on the report’s submission. With the document now in Tinubu’s hands as Commander-in-Chief, decisions on sanctions—potentially including court-martials—are awaited, signaling a potential purge to reinforce loyalty within the armed forces.

‎This revelation underscores ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s security apparatus amid economic challenges and regional instabilities, raising questions about the stability of democratic institutions. As the nation watches, the outcome could reshape military hierarchies and deter future insubordination.