Nigerian Air Force Officer Detained Over Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu

A Nigerian Air Force officer, Squadron Leader Noel Godday Zuzu, is among military personnel currently being detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to a report by SaharaReporters.

The arrests, which reportedly involve senior officers led by an Army Brigadier General, were first disclosed in October 2025.
Zuzu, who hails from Bayelsa State, is said to be related to former Governor Timipre Sylva. Prior to his arrest, he was attached to 053 Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force Camp, Abuja.
An alumnus of Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Zuzu holds the rank of Squadron Leader, which is equivalent to the rank of Major in the Nigerian Army.
He is reportedly one of 36 detainees, comprising officers of different ranks as well as 10 non-commissioned officers.
Families of those detained have raised serious concerns over their welfare, alleging inhumane treatment, prolonged incommunicado detention, and denial of access to legal counsel and family members.
Although initial official responses denied the existence of any coup plot, a more recent statement from the Defence Headquarters has acknowledged that some of the detained officers are indeed being held over allegations of plans to overthrow the government.