AN interim investigation report has revealed that an Army Colonel, whose name is withheld, coordinated a clandestine network of military officers in a plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.
The report, sighted by The PUNCH, links the Colonel directly to funding, recruitment, and operational planning. Investigators described the plot as moving beyond casual dissent into early stages of execution, including surveillance of key national sites.
The Colonel’s disaffection stemmed from repeated failures in promotion exams, which reportedly fuelled his grievances.
He mobilised officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, assigning them tasks to survey locations such as the Presidential Villa, major barracks, and international airports.
Searches of his vehicle uncovered charms and anti-government materials, while a raid on his residence in Lokogoma, Apo, revealed sensitive documents outlining roles for principal actors and plans for handling key national dignitaries.
Sixteen officers were arrested in October 2025 by the Defence Intelligence Agency for indiscipline and breaches of regulations.
The indicted officers include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A.A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M.A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A.A. Yusuf, Lt S.S. Felix, Lt Cdr D.B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S.B. Adamu, and Maj I. Dauda.
Additional officers awaited include Maj J.M. Ganaks and Capt G. Binuga. Most suspects are from northern Nigeria, except Capt Yusuf from Osun State.
The foiled coup was allegedly planned for October 25, 2025, and intended to be fatal. Targets for elimination included President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, service chiefs, and other government officials.
The plot involved infiltrating the Presidential Villa through compromised Julius Berger staff to gather security information.
Financial inducements ranging from N2m to N5m were distributed to some officers, with encrypted platforms like WhatsApp and Zangi used for coordination.
Lt Col Bappah, a key witness, cooperated by providing details on funding and recruitment.
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit is analysing financial trails, and one major financier is under investigation.
The Defence Headquarters stated that indicted personnel would face a military judicial panel.
The investigation has expanded to civilian contacts, including a former minister whose name surfaced, though no charges or arrest warrant have been issued yet.
As quoted in The PUNCH, a security source said, “The investigation is not limited to uniforms alone.”