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An interim investigation into the alleged coup plot against the government of Bola Tinubu has found that a serving Army colonel coordinated the plan, with funding, recruitment and early operational steps traced to him.
The officer, whose identity was withheld, mobilised officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, according to a report obtained by The PUNCH on Tuesday.
Investigators claimed that the group secretly monitored important national locations, such as the Presidential Villa, important military installations, and international airports in Lagos and Abuja.
The colonel’s purported involvement was discovered, according to the report, after intelligence revealed “disgruntled elements within the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the civil populace.”
Investigators said his frustration over repeated failures in promotion exams fuelled his disaffection and helped him recruit other officers.
In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
At the time, reports linked the arrests to an alleged plot to overthrow the government and the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.
The then Director of Defence Information dismissed those reports as false, saying the matter was an internal disciplinary issue and that an investigation was ongoing.
On Monday, the current Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said a comprehensive investigation had been completed and forwarded to the appropriate authority.
The interim report described the alleged plot as having moved beyond “casual dissent” into early operational planning.
It said searches of the colonel’s vehicle uncovered charms and anti-government materials, while a raid on his residence in Abuja reportedly yielded “very sensitive documents”, detailing assigned roles and plans for handling “key national dignitaries”.
The report stated, “Multiple testimonies implicate Col (name withheld) as the coordinator of the conspiracy. He has been identified so far as the source of funding, recruitment, and motivation, openly lamenting his stagnation in promotion and expressing the need to ‘change government’.
“Several officers involved in the plot describe him as the figure who provided financial inducements and justification.
“Meanwhile, search of his vehicle revealed several charms and write-ups such as the NUPENG strike action and other anti-government write-ups.
“Similarly, a search on his residence at Lokogoma, Apo, revealed very sensitive documents which included allocation of responsibilities to some of the principal actors.
“Also, key national dignitaries were earmarked to be handled by respective principal actors.”
Investigators said financial inducements ranging from ₦2 million to ₦5 million were allegedly paid to some officers, while encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Zangi were used to coordinate activities.
A financial trail is being analysed with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.
The report also named 16 officers currently in custody, ranging from the rank of captain to brigadier general, with two others still being awaited.
Brig. Gen. M. A. Sadiq, Col. M. A. Maaji, Lt. Col. S. Bappah, Lt. Col. A.A. Hayatu, Lt. Col. P. Dangnap, Lt. Col. M. Almakura, Maj. A. J. Ibrahim, Maj. M. M. Jiddah, Maj. M.A. Usman, Maj. D. Yusuf, Capt. I. Bello, Capt. S.S. Felix, Lt. Cdr. D.B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr. S.B. Adamu, and Maj. I. Dauda were among the sixteen officers who were reportedly under arrest.
The report states that Maj. J.M. Ganaks and Capt. G. Binuga are officers being awaited.
The majority of the suspects are from the north, except for Capt. Yusuf, who is from Osun State.
One suspect, Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah, emerged as a critical witness who is cooperating with investigators and providing details on funding and recruitment, the report stated.
Investigators claimed that Bappah’s testimony had bolstered the case and provided unique insight into the group’s strategy.
According to the report, the alleged coup was planned for October 25, 2025, and would have targeted the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, service chiefs and other senior officials.
Security sources told Punch that the investigation has expanded to include civilian contacts, financiers and possible political links.
While the name of a former minister reportedly came up during intelligence reviews, no formal charges have been filed, and no arrest warrant has been issued.
“The investigation is not limited to uniforms alone,” a security source said.
“We are looking at communication trails, financial flows and political interfaces. That does not mean guilt; it means due diligence.”
The report concluded that the alleged plot posed a “clear and immediate” threat to “national stability”.
