Alleged Coup Plot: Military Submits Investigation Report to Tinubu, Releases Full List of Detained Officers

The Nigerian military has submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the report of its investigation into what it described as “indiscipline and breach of service regulations” involving 16 detained officers, who were earlier alleged to be linked to a coup plot, Daily Trust has learnt.
Credible security and Presidency sources confirmed yesterday that the report was forwarded to the President after more than two months of extensive interrogation and investigation conducted by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Reports by Sahara Reporters in October last year had alleged that the officers—ranging in rank from Captain to Brigadier-General—were arrested and detained by the DIA for plotting to overthrow President Tinubu’s administration.
At the time, both the Defence Headquarters and the Presidency denied that any coup attempt had occurred, despite widespread speculation linking the arrests to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day Parade by President Tinubu.
A source familiar with the investigation confirmed to Daily Trust that the report has now been formally submitted to the President.
According to the source, a presidential decision on the report “will determine the next line of action.”
“The officers assigned to investigate the alleged involvement of the detained personnel have concluded their work and submitted their findings to the President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” the source said.
When asked about the contents of the report, the source stated:
“All I can say is that the officers were indicted and will be sanctioned accordingly once the President gives approval.
“I cannot confirm whether they will be court-martialled, but they will face disciplinary measures in line with established military procedures.”
‘President Briefed That Coup Attempt Was Real’
Another highly placed source at the Presidential Villa also confirmed that the military had briefed President Tinubu on the outcome of the investigation.
“The military authorities informed Mr President that the coup attempt was real. The report clearly established that the detained officers attempted to carry out what the media had earlier reported,” the source said.
The source added that the Brigadier-General among the suspects was arrested because investigations revealed he was aware of the plot but failed to report it.
Efforts to reach the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and the Special Adviser on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, were unsuccessful, as both did not respond to calls or messages seeking clarification on the submission of the report.
It was also gathered that a former governor from one of the southern states was investigated over allegations that he financed the alleged coup plot.
On October 29, soldiers reportedly raided the Abuja and Yenagoa residences of former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, arresting his brother. However, Sylva’s media aide, Julius Bokoru, described the attempt to link the former governor to the plot as “sickening” and the work of “desperate politicians.”
Another military source disclosed that the health condition of some of the detained officers had deteriorated.
Initial Denial by the Military
Earlier, the military high command, through its former Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, stated on October 4, 2025, that the arrest of the 16 officers was related solely to “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”
According to Gusau, the officers’ grievances were largely linked to perceived career stagnation due to repeated failure in promotion examinations and other service-related issues.
He stressed that the arrests were part of routine disciplinary actions aimed at maintaining professionalism, loyalty, and discipline within the Armed Forces, adding that any indicted officers would face appropriate military disciplinary procedures.
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, had dismissed reports of a coup plot, insisting that the government stood by the military’s official explanation.
Profiles of the Detained Officers
The detained officers include a Brigadier-General, a Colonel, four Lieutenant Colonels, five Majors, two Captains, a Lieutenant, a Lieutenant Commander from the Navy, and a Squadron Leader from the Air Force.
Investigations revealed that 12 of the officers belong to the Infantry Corps, while others are drawn from the Signals Corps, Ordnance Corps, the Navy, and the Air Force.
The Brigadier-General, Musa Abubakar Sadiq, an infantry officer and indigene of Nasarawa State, is suspected to be the leader of the alleged plot. He was previously detained in 2024 over allegations of diversion of palliatives and sale of military equipment.
Other named officers include Colonel M.A. Ma’aji, Lt. Colonels S. Bappah, A.A. Hayatu, M. Al-Makura, several Majors from the Infantry and Ordnance Corps, as well as officers from the Navy and Air Force.
Activists Demand Due Process
Meanwhile, the Concerned Pro-Democratic Activists of Nigeria have appealed to the Federal Government to ensure proper medical care for the detained officers.
Speaking at a press conference in Lafia, Nasarawa State, the group’s chairman, Yusuf Musa Dauda, expressed concern over reports that some detainees were seriously ill and denied access to their families.
While condemning any attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government, the group urged authorities to either release the officers if there is no case against them or charge them to court in line with due process.
(Daily Trust, headline rejigged)