January 31, 2026
News | Exclusive
By SUNTV Global Channel
A retired Nigerian Army General, Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, has been arrested by military intelligence operatives over his alleged links to a suspected coup plot against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, SUNTV Global Channel has learnt.
General Gana, a native of Niger State and the Danmagayaki of Nupe, was reportedly taken into custody days after the arrest of his son, Lieutenant Colonel Sadiq Ibrahim-Gana, who is among dozens of military officers currently being detained in connection with the alleged plot.
Sources disclosed that Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim-Gana, the former Commanding Officer of the 115 Battalion in Askira, Borno State, was arrested by operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and is listed as number nine among 35 detained officers allegedly accused of plotting to overthrow Nigeria’s democratic government.
A senior military source revealed that the retired General was arrested largely due to his long-standing relationship with the alleged mastermind of the plot, Colonel Alhassan Ma’aji.
“The retired General is believed to have helped Colonel Ma’aji gain admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1995. As Ma’aji’s godfather, investigators believe he may have had knowledge of the plot, although no direct evidence has been established against him,” the source said.
The source added that Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim-Gana, despite being actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram in Borno State, was also detained due to alleged associations with the suspected plotters.
“Nothing concrete has been traced to the son either. He was fully engaged in operational duties, but investigators still believe there may be links,” the source added.
SUNTV Global Channel also gathered that several civilians have been swept up in the ongoing investigation, including vehicle mechanics accused of repairing cars allegedly used by the suspects. A staff member of Julius Berger, a major construction firm, was also reportedly detained, raising concerns about possible overreach in the investigation.
Earlier, SUNTV Global Channel reported the arrest of a police officer, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim from Taraba State, who was apprehended in Abuja and is currently in DIA custody.
Breakdown of Detained Officers
Among the 35 detained military officers are:
- 1 Brigadier General
- 2 Colonels
- 5 Lieutenant Colonels
- 1 Wing Commander (Air Force)
- 8 Majors
- 1 Lieutenant Commander (Navy)
- 2 Squadron Leaders
- 5 Captains
- 1 Lieutenant
Also in custody are 10 Non-Commissioned Officers, including a Warrant Officer, Sergeants, a Corporal, and Lance Corporals.
While a few of the detainees are from southern states such as Osun and Bayelsa, the majority are reportedly from northern states, including Niger, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Gombe, Bauchi, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Taraba, Yobe, Kogi, Sokoto, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Health, Rights, and Political Concerns
The arrests have sparked growing concern after reports emerged that at least five detained officers fell ill in custody, with two reportedly collapsing due to deteriorating conditions. Sources claim the officers were transferred to an underground detention facility in Abuja described as poorly ventilated and harsh.
Families of the detainees have accused authorities of inhumane treatment, prolonged detention without trial, and denial of access to lawyers and relatives.
The case has also taken on political dimensions following reports that military operatives searched the Abuja residence of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva. Sylva confirmed the visit but strongly denied any involvement, describing the allegations as politically motivated.
Despite earlier denials by the Defence Headquarters, recent statements now confirm that allegations of plotting to overthrow the government form part of the ongoing investigation.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as the story unfolds.
