Military authorities are continuing investigations into a foiled coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and PREMIUM TIMES has obtained exclusive details on 16 officers currently detained in connection with the plot.
According to security sources, 14 of the detained officers are from the Nigerian Army, with two others from the Navy and Air Force. Of the army personnel, 12 are from the Infantry Corps, one from the Signals Corps, and one from the Ordnance Corps.
The ranks of those in custody include a brigadier general, a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains and a lieutenant. The Navy officer is a lieutenant commander, while the Air Force officer holds the rank of squadron leader.
Authorities have not issued a formal statement on the alleged plot, offering only a denial that it was linked to the scaled-down Independence Day celebrations on October 1.
Key Officers Identified are:
Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq, believed to be the alleged ringleader, is from Nasarawa State and a member of NDA Regular Course 44.
He was previously detained in 2024 over alleged diversion of relief materials and military equipment. Colonel M.A. Ma’aji, from Niger State and a member of the 47 Regular Course, is suspected of playing a strategic planning role.
He formerly commanded the 19 Battalion in Ondo State and served under Operation Delta Safe. Other officers include: Lt. Col S. Bappah (Signals Corps), Bauchi State, Lt. Col A.A. Hayatu (Infantry), Kaduna State, Lt. Col M. Almakura (Infantry), Nasarawa State, Majors A.J. Ibrahim, M.M. Jiddah, M.A. Usman, D. Yusuf, and I. Dauda, Captains Ibrahim Bello and A.A. Yusuf, Lt. S.S. Felix, Lt. Commander D.B. Abdullahi (Navy), Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu (Air Force)
Sources say interrogations are ongoing, and details of alleged roles and motives have not yet been made public. The Defence Headquarters and the Presidency have remained silent. More updates are expected as investigations progress.
