Why 16 Senior Military Officers Were Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot Against President Tinubu

... Exclusive details emerge on the detained officers - including a brigadier general, colonels, and majors - as security agencies intensify investigations into the alleged plot to destabilize Tinubu's administration.

All Facts Newspaper reports, citing a Premium Times investigation, that no fewer than 16 senior Nigerian military officers have been detained over an alleged coup plot targeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.

According to credible security sources, 14 of the suspects are serving Army officers, while the remaining two are from the Navy and the Air Force. The development has reportedly sparked high-level security reviews within the Defence Headquarters, with ongoing interrogations aimed at uncovering the extent of the alleged conspiracy.

Of the detained officers, 12 are said to belong to the Infantry Corps, one to the Signals Corps, and another to the Ordnance Corps. Their ranks cut across a brigadier general, a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains, and one lieutenant. The Navy officer reportedly holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander, while the Air Force officer is a Squadron Leader.

Security sources identified Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq, from Nasarawa State and a member of NDA Regular Course 44, as the alleged ringleader. Sadiq had previously faced detention in 2024 over allegations of diverting military relief materials and equipment.

Also in custody is Colonel M.A. Ma'aji, from Niger State, a member of the 47 Regular Course. He is believed to have played a strategic planning role in the alleged coup arrangement. Ma'aji previously commanded the 19 Battalion in Ondo State and served under Operation Delta Safe.

Others listed among those being questioned 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, I. Dauda, Captains Ibrahim Bello and A.A. Yusuf, and Lt. S.S. Felix.

Also implicated are Lt. Commander D.B. Abdullahi (Navy) and Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu (Air Force).

Although neither the Defence Headquarters nor the Presidency has released an official statement, insiders disclosed that the arrests followed intelligence suggesting that the officers had been holding "unauthorized discussionsÔÇØ and movements that raised national security concerns.

Authorities have, however, denied that the detentions are linked to the scaled-down Independence Day celebrations of October 1, 2025.

As of the time of filing this report, investigations are still ongoing, and details of the alleged motives and connections have not been made public.

Security experts believe the government is handling the matter quietly to prevent panic or the spread of unverified information within the ranks of the armed forces.

All Facts Newspaper will continue to monitor the development and provide verified updates as more information emerges.