Coup Plot: Full Details of 40 Arrested Over Alleged Plot to Overthrow Tinubu

Fresh details have emerged on the arrest of 40 persons over an alleged plan to violently remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office.

The suspects include serving and retired officers from the armed forces, a police officer, and several civilians. Security sources say the group operated across different layers, covering intelligence gathering, funding, logistics, and public messaging.

Investigations into the plot have now been concluded. The probe was carried out by Nigerian security agencies after weeks of quiet surveillance and intelligence work.

Those arrested were picked up through a covert operation jointly coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service. The operation cut across multiple locations.

Findings from the investigation show that 13 suspects were arrested by the SSS. This group included two military personnel, one of them retired, one serving police officer, and ten civilians.

Security briefings indicate that 16 military officers were directly involved in the alleged plot. Two civilians were said to have handled reconnaissance tasks. Another two were allegedly recruited to stir public unrest as a justification for a takeover. Five others were linked to funding channels used to support the plan.

During the operation, one detained soldier reportedly escaped from custody. He was later tracked and rearrested by SSS operatives in Bauchi State.

On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that the investigation had been wrapped up. The military said the report had been sent to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”

Military authorities stated that the outcome of the probe revealed “several officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government.” The conduct was described as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

Further checks show that the alleged conspirators initially targeted the transition period in 2023. Intelligence reports say the group planned to disrupt the handover of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu during the May 29 inauguration.

That plan was later shelved. Investigators say lack of funds and weak logistics forced the group to pause the operation.

The plot was allegedly revived in 2025. Security sources claim large sums of money were moved through multiple bank accounts linked to a Bureau De Change operator to reactivate the plan.

A former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, was named in the investigation as one of those accused of providing financial backing. A retired senior officer, identified as General Adamu, was also linked to the funding network.

Both men are currently at large, according to security officials. Three other suspects connected to the same network are also said to be on the run.

Investigators disclosed that one fleeing suspect was traced to a South American country. His exact location has not been made public for security reasons.

Security agencies have intensified efforts to dismantle remaining cells connected to the alleged plot. Ongoing operations include surveillance, intelligence sharing, and cross-border coordination.

The investigation also produced a detailed list of suspects. Among them are senior officers attached to key military formations and command units.

They include MA Sadiq, a brigadier general at the Army Headquarters Garrison; MA Ma’aji, a colonel with the Defence Space Administration; and S Bappah, a lieutenant colonel serving at the 525 Signal Regiment.

Other officers named are Lieutenant Colonels AA Hayatu, P Dangnap, M Almakura, AA Jarma, and SM Gana, drawn from battalions and special forces units across the country.

The list further contains majors, captains, lieutenants, warrant officers, and non-commissioned officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Civilians were also listed among the suspects. They include Umoru Zekeri, identified as a villa electrician; Ali Isah, a villa ambulance driver; and Stanley Kingley Amandi, described by investigators as a propagandist allegedly engaged to shape public narratives.

Retired personnel named in the report include EO Victor, a Navy captain, and IM Gana, a retired major general.

Security officials say all arrested suspects will face further internal and legal processes as determined by the relevant authorities.

Below is the full details…

Full List of Suspects and Their Units/Roles