A thick cloud of uncertainty has once again hovered over Nigeria’s military and political establishment as investigations continue into an alleged coup plot against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to credible reports obtained by Premium Times and verified by Abuja Network News, sixteen senior military officers — spanning the Army, Navy, and Air Force — have been detained for questioning over what sources describe as a “coordinated plan to destabilize the government.”
Breakdown Of The Detained Officers
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Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq
- State of Origin: Nasarawa
- Service Number: N/10321
- NDA Course: 44 Regular Course (1992–1997)
- Corps: Infantry
- Background: A career infantry officer and one-time Commander of the 3rd Brigade, Kano, and Garrison Commander of 81 Division, Lagos. Previously detained in 2024 for alleged diversion of military relief materials and sale of arms.
- Current Status: Alleged ringleader of the coup plot; said to have coordinated planning meetings and operational strategies.
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Colonel M.A. Ma’aji
- State of Origin: Niger State
- Service Number: N/10668
- NDA Course: 47 Regular Course (1995–2000)
- Corps: Infantry
- Background: Former Commander of 19 Battalion, Okitipupa, Ondo State, and participant in Operation Delta Safe. Recognized as a key strategist in the alleged coup plan, focusing on movement and deployment tactics.
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Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah
- State of Origin: Bauchi
- Service Number: N/13036
- NDA Course: 56 Regular Course (2004–2008)
- Corps: Signals
- Background: Known for his expertise in communications and data interception. Allegedly linked to coordinating secured communication channels between conspirators.
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Lieutenant Colonel A.A. Hayatu
- State of Origin: Kaduna
- Service Number: N/13038
- NDA Course: 56 Regular Course (2004–2008)
- Corps: Infantry
- Background: An operational commander with extensive field experience in counterinsurgency operations.
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Lieutenant Colonel P. Dangnap
- State of Origin: Plateau
- Service Number: N/13025
- NDA Course: 56 Regular Course (2004–2008)
- Corps: Infantry
- Background: Once court-martialled in 2015 for conduct linked to Boko Haram operations but later reinstated. Reportedly responsible for manpower mobilization within the plot.
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Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura
- State of Origin: Nasarawa
- Service Number: N/12983
- NDA Course: 56 Regular Course (2004–2008)
- Corps: Infantry
- Background: A field commander attached to internal security operations in the North-Central region. Allegedly in charge of securing logistics and field movements.
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Major A.J. Ibrahim
- State of Origin: Gombe
- Service Number: N/13065
- NDA Course: 56 Regular Course (2004–2008)
- Corps: Infantry
- Background: Served in the North-East under Operation Hadin Kai. Said to have maintained links with several detained colleagues since their academy days.
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Major M.M. Jiddah
- State of Origin: Katsina
- Service Number: N/13003
- NDA Course: 56 Regular Course (2004–2008)
- Corps: Infantry
- Background: Known for intelligence gathering. Believed to have provided situational awareness updates during the planning stage.
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Major M.A. Usman
- State of Origin: Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
- Service Number: N/15404
- NDA Course: 60 Regular Course (2008–2012)
- Corps: Infantry
- Background: Active in internal security operations and known for coordinating logistics movements in difficult terrains.
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Major D. Yusuf
- State of Origin: Gombe
- Service Number: N/14753
- NDA Course: 59 Regular Course (2007–2012)
- Corps: Ordnance
- Background: Specialist in arms storage and distribution. Allegedly assigned to oversee access to restricted armoury equipment.
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Major I. Dauda
- State of Origin: Jigawa
- Service Number: N/13625
- Commission: Direct Short Service Course 38
- Corps: Infantry
- Background: Served under various UN Peacekeeping missions. Believed to have facilitated logistical coordination between different battalion networks.
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Captain Ibrahim Bello
- State of Origin: Adamawa
- Service Number: N/16266
- Commission: Short Service Course 43
- Corps: Infantry
- Background: Young officer reportedly close to several mid-level conspirators.
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Captain A.A. Yusuf
- State of Origin: Kebbi
- Service Number: N/16724
- Corps: Infantry
- Background: Participated in counter-banditry operations in Zamfara. No prior disciplinary record.
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Lieutenant S.S. Felix
- State of Origin: Benue
- Service Number: N/18105
- Corps: Infantry
- Background: Junior officer among the detainees. Allegedly provided situational intelligence on troop movements.
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Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi
- Service Number: NN/3289
- Service: Nigerian Navy
- Background: Naval officer suspected of providing maritime coordination or backup strategy.
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Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu
- Service: Nigerian Air Force
- Background: Only Air Force officer among the group. Believed to have been tasked with reconnaissance support.
A Nation On Edge
The revelation of the officers’ identities has sent shockwaves across the country, sparking fear of instability within the military hierarchy. Despite the gravity of the allegations, neither the Defence Headquarters nor the Presidency has issued an official statement beyond a mild denial that the alleged plot was connected to the scaled-down Independence Day celebrations on October 1.
This silence has given rise to concerns about possible politicization of the incident, especially given the heavy northern representation among the detained officers. Analysts warn that, without transparency, the narrative could be manipulated to serve competing political or regional interests.
Unanswered Questions
While the detentions are confirmed, major questions persist:
- What was the exact motive behind the alleged plot?
- How far did it progress before being foiled?
- Were civilian collaborators or politicians involved?
- On what grounds are the 16 being held — and will they face open court-martial proceedings?
- Why has the federal government remained silent on an issue of such national importance?
The lack of clarity continues to fuel speculation. Some insiders claim the plot was “months in the making” and aimed at “paralyzing Nigeria’s leadership structure.” Others insist the arrests may have been preventive, following intercepted communications rather than concrete mobilization.
Fear Of Politicization
Military analysts warn that the detentions, if not managed transparently, could be weaponized to purge perceived dissenters or settle internal scores within the armed forces.
“There’s a fine line between national security and political convenience,” a retired officer told Abuja Network News. “When silence replaces accountability, truth becomes the first casualty.”
What To Expect
Investigations are ongoing at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) headquarters in Abuja. More officers may be invited for questioning as military intelligence combs through communication trails and operational logs.
If convicted, the accused could face treason or mutiny charges, punishable by death under the Armed Forces Act.
Security observers say the coming days will test both the discipline of Nigeria’s armed forces and the maturity of its democracy. The case has already sparked renewed debate about loyalty, morale, and trust within the military — an institution long regarded as a stabilizing force in Nigeria’s turbulent political history.
For now, Nigerians wait anxiously — hoping the truth will emerge, and that justice, not politics, will define the outcome of this explosive episode.