Fresh details have emerged about an alleged plot to topple the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the Nigerian military confirming additional arrests as investigations deepen.
Among those reportedly detained is Major H. Yusuf of the Nigerian Army, a member of the 57 Regular Course who recently concluded his Senior Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji.
He is said to be in custody alongside several other officers over accusations of involvement in a conspiracy to overthrow the government.
However, authorities have yet to publicly disclose concrete details of the alleged plan.
According to Naija News, security agencies have been quietly probing the matter since 2025. Despite the length of the investigation, no formal court-martial proceedings have begun, and official statements have offered limited clarity.
Words From Analysts
Analysts describe the situation as shrouded in secrecy, with few specifics made available to the public.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, revealed that he was allegedly listed among high-profile targets of the suspected plotters.
Speaking during an appearance on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, the minister said he was to be arrested and possibly killed if he resisted.
“I was also marked,” Musa disclosed. “The plan was to detain me, and if I refused, I was to be shot.”
His remarks followed confirmation by the Armed Forces that some of the 16 officers arrested in October 2025 would face prosecution for allegedly attempting to subvert President Tinubu’s administration.
Initially, the military had described the October arrests as disciplinary measures related to breaches of service rules. By January 2026, officials stated that expanded investigations uncovered evidence suggesting a broader scheme aimed at destabilising the government.
In a statement, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, said certain individuals were found to have engaged in actions “inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards” expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He added that those implicated would be arraigned before a military judicial panel in accordance with the Armed Forces Act.
Allegations of a Broader Network
Reports from SaharaReporters suggest that the alleged conspiracy may have extended beyond the military establishment, with claims that prominent political figures and other notable Nigerians were identified as potential targets.
While some observers have speculated that the foiled plot may be linked to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade, authorities have not confirmed any such connection.
In a related development, the home of former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva was reportedly searched by security operatives over alleged ties to the conspiracy.
No formal charges have been announced in connection with that operation.
General Musa has downplayed the capability of the alleged plotters, dismissing them as lacking the coordination and capacity to mount a serious challenge to the military hierarchy.
Dozens in Custody
Separate reports indicate that Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim of the Nigeria Police Force, said to be from Taraba State, was apprehended in Abuja by operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency.
He is currently being held as part of the ongoing investigation.
Altogether, approximately 35 military personnel are said to be in custody.
Those detained reportedly include a Brigadier General, two Colonels, five Lieutenant Colonels, a Wing Commander, eight Majors, a Lieutenant Commander, two Squadron Leaders, five Captains, and a Lieutenant.
Additionally, 10 non-commissioned officers — including a Warrant Officer, five Sergeants, a Corporal, and two Lance Corporals — are among those held.
One Army Captain identified as A. Yusuf is reportedly from Osun State, while Squadron Leader Zuzu of the Air Force hails from Bayelsa State.
Other detained officers are said to come from various states across the country, including Nasarawa, Niger, Katsina, Kaduna, Plateau, Kano, Gombe, Bauchi, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Taraba, Yobe, Kogi, Sokoto, and Adamawa, as well as the Federal Capital Territory. One Colonel was reportedly attending a course in a North African country at the time of his arrest.
A Sensitive Moment for Nigeria
Nigeria, which endured multiple military coups between 1966 and 1993 before returning to democratic rule in 1999, has since maintained civilian governance despite ongoing security and political challenges.
The latest allegations surface against a backdrop of renewed instability in parts of West Africa, where several countries have experienced coups or attempted takeovers in recent years, including a reported failed plot in neighbouring Benin Republic.
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As investigations continue, authorities maintain that due process will be followed, while many observers await further details about the scope and credibility of the alleged conspiracy.