An interim investigation report into an alleged coup plot against the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has identified a serving Army Colonel as the central coordinator of the conspiracy, according to findings obtained by The PUNCH on January 28, 2026.
The report states the plot involved recruitment, funding and early operational planning linked directly to the officer.
The officer, whose identity was withheld in the interim report, is said to have mobilised like‑minded personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force, assigning them to discreetly survey sensitive national installations, including the Presidential Villa, major barracks and international airports in Abuja and Lagos.
Investigators traced the planning to early stages of operational preparation, signalling the alleged conspiracy had moved beyond mere dissent.
According to the findings, the colonel’s reported frustrations over repeated failures in promotion examinations contributed to his disaffection and allegedly provided impetus for recruiting other officers to the plot.
The Defence Headquarters in October 2025 announced the arrest of 16 military officers, ranging from ranks of Captain to Brigadier‑General, for acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
At that time, the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier‑General Tukur Gusau (retd.), described the matter as an internal disciplinary issue, rejecting claims of an attempted coup.
The interim report details that the alleged conspirators conducted reconnaissance of strategic locations and amassed documentation outlining assigned roles for targeted national figures.
Police or military searches reportedly uncovered charms and anti‑government materials in the officer’s vehicle, and sensitive documents at his residence in Lokogoma, Apo, Abuja.
Financial inducements allegedly ranging from ₦2 million to ₦5 million were reportedly paid to some principal actors for logistics and mobilisation, with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) analysing the financial trail.
One of the detained officers, Lieutenant‑Colonel S. Bappah, has reportedly become a key cooperating witness, providing information on recruitment strategies, funding channels and communications within the network.
The alleged plot, according to the report, was intended to culminate in actions on October 25, 2025, with plans to target President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, service chiefs and other senior officials.
Investigators characterised the planned operation as beyond early planning, describing it as a concerted effort to undermine constitutional authority.
The Director of Defence Information, Major‑General Samaila Uba, has since confirmed that investigation proceedings have concluded and the report forwarded to appropriate superior authorities for further action, including possible arraignment of implicated personnel before military judicial panels in accordance with service regulations.
Security sources indicate the probe may extend beyond military ranks to include potential civilian contacts and financiers associated with the plot, although no formal arrest warrants have been issued for civilians at this stage.
The unfolding developments continue to draw national attention as authorities seek to balance accountability with constitutional governance and institutional discipline.
