An interim investigation report into the alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration has identified an Army Colonel (name withheld) as the alleged coordinator of a clandestine network of military officers involved in planning the takeover.
The report, sighted on Tuesday, said the officer mobilised personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force, assigning them to survey critical national installations, including the Presidential Villa, major barracks and international airports.
According to investigators, the officer’s repeated failures in promotion allegedly fuelled his disaffection, which he used to recruit like-minded officers. The report said the plot had moved beyond casual dissent into early operational planning.
In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline. Media reports later linked the arrests to an alleged coup plot, a claim the military initially dismissed as an internal disciplinary matter, pending investigation.
However, on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, confirmed that a comprehensive probe had been concluded and forwarded to appropriate authorities.
The interim report described the Colonel as the main source of funding, recruitment and motivation. Searches on his vehicle allegedly uncovered charms and anti-government materials, while a raid on his residence reportedly yielded sensitive documents detailing assigned roles and handling of key national figures.
Investigators said the foiled plot, allegedly scheduled for October 25, 2025, targeted the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, service chiefs and strategic installations.
Financial inducements of between ₦2 million and ₦5 million were allegedly paid to some officers, while encrypted platforms were used for coordination. A financial trail is being analysed with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.
One suspect, Lt Col S. Bappah, was identified as a key cooperating witness, providing details on funding, recruitment and communication channels.
The Defence Headquarters has said indicted officers will be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels, as investigations continue to track additional suspects, civilian contacts and possible political links.
Keywords: coup plot, Nigerian military, Tinubu, Defence Headquarters, security investigation
