Nigeria’s military authorities have reportedly carried out fresh arrests in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, deepening a high-profile investigation that has been ongoing since 2025.
Sources indicate that among those recently detained is Major H. Yusuf of the Nigerian Army’s 57 Regular Course, who had just completed his Senior Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji. He is being held alongside several other officers suspected of involvement in what officials describe as a coup conspiracy.
Despite the arrests, the military has not publicly disclosed full details of the alleged plan, and no formal trial has yet begun, leaving observers to describe the situation as highly opaque.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), recently revealed he was one of the senior officials targeted in the alleged plot.
Speaking during a televised interview on Channels Television, Musa claimed the conspirators planned to arrest and shoot him if he resisted.
“I was also a target. I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was to be shot,” he said.
The controversy dates back to October 2025, when the military initially announced the arrest of 16 officers for alleged acts of indiscipline and violations of service regulations.
However, by January 2026, authorities said investigations had uncovered evidence suggesting a broader plot aimed at destabilising the government.
The Director of Defence Information stated that some suspects engaged in activities inconsistent with military ethics and would face prosecution under the Armed Forces Act.
Reports indicate that at least 35 military personnel are currently detained, including:
- A Brigadier General
- Two Colonels
- Several Lieutenant Colonels and Majors
- Air Force and Navy officers
- Ten non-commissioned officers
A police inspector was also reportedly arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency in Abuja over alleged links to the plot.
Security sources say the alleged conspiracy may have involved plans to target prominent political figures and government officials.
Authorities also reportedly raided the residence of former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva over suspected links, though no charges have been announced.
The plot has also been speculatively linked to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade.
Families of detained officers have raised alarm over alleged harsh detention conditions, including claims of poor ventilation, lack of medical care, and denial of access to lawyers and relatives.
Some reports indicate that several officers have fallen ill while in custody.
Historical Context
Nigeria experienced multiple military coups between 1966 and 1993 before returning to democratic rule in 1999. Since then, civilian governance has remained intact despite periodic political tensions and security challenges.
The latest allegations come amid a wider wave of coups and attempted military takeovers across West Africa in recent years.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments as investigations progress and authorities prepare potential prosecutions.
