Fresh tension has gripped the Nigerian military as an additional 15 officers have reportedly been arrested over an alleged coup plot against the Federal Government, bringing the total number of detained personnel to more than 40.
According to Vanguard sources, the latest arrests followed confessions made during the interrogation of the initial 16 officers earlier taken into custody. Investigators said the detained officers disclosed the roles their newly arrested colleagues were expected to play in what has been described as a “grand plot.”
Security agencies are said to be analysing communication exchanges among the suspects, raising fears of more arrests as investigations intensify.
Initial 16 Officers in Custody
Vanguard’s findings confirmed that the first group of 16 detained officers comprises:
- 1 Brigadier General
- 1 Colonel
- 4 Lieutenant Colonels
- 5 Majors
- 2 Army Captains
- 1 Lieutenant Commander (Navy)
- 1 Squadron Leader (Air Force)
- 1 Army Lieutenant
Those identified include:
- Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (Nasarawa, 44th Regular Course)
- Colonel M.A. Ma’aji (Niger, 47th Course)
- Lt Col S. Bappah (Bauchi, 56th Course)
- Lt Col A.A. Hayatu (Kaduna, 56th Course)
- Lt Col Dangnan (Plateau, 56th Course)
- Lt Col M. Almakura (Nasarawa, 56th Course)
- Major A.J. Ibrahim (Gombe, 56th Course)
- Major M.M. Jiddah (Katsina, 56th Course)
- Major M.A. Usman (FCT, 60th Course)
- Major D. Yusuf (Gombe, 59th Course)
- Major I. Dauda (Jigawa, DSSC 38)
- Captain I. Bello (DSSC 43)
- Captain A.A. Yusuf
- Lieutenant S.S. Felix (DSSC)
- Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi (Navy)
- Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu (Air Force)
Most of the officers, according to insiders, are drawn from the Infantry Corps, Signals Corps, and Ordnance Corps.
Money Trail Leads to Former Governor
Further investigations reportedly revealed a money trail linking the suspected network to a former governor who also served as a minister of state. Collaborations among the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other agencies traced large sums allegedly used to fund the failed plot.
Sources disclosed that the detained officers have been cooperating with investigators, offering crucial information on recruitment channels and their expected roles.
Military Tight-Lipped
The Defence Headquarters has not yet issued an official statement on the fresh arrests. However, insiders said authorities are maintaining silence pending the conclusion of investigations.
The development comes three weeks after the Defence Headquarters confirmed the initial arrest of 16 officers for “acts of indiscipline” and breach of service regulations.
At the time, Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the arrests stemmed from a routine military exercise and were linked to grievances over stalled promotions and career stagnation.
“Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with military standards,” Gusau had stated.
He emphasized that the Armed Forces would not condone any action capable of undermining institutional integrity or constitutional authority.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to their constitutional responsibilities and professionalism,” Gusau reaffirmed.
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