By Joe Udo
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – Fresh developments have emerged in the ongoing investigation into an alleged coup plot against the Federal Government, as the military has reportedly arrested an additional 15 officers across various ranks, bringing the total number of detained personnel to over 40.
According to findings by Vanguard, the latest arrests were made following fresh revelations obtained during the interrogation of the first batch of 16 officers already in custody. Sources disclosed that some of the detained officers revealed the roles that their colleagues—now arrested—were expected to play in what investigators have described as a “grand plot.”
Security operatives are said to be scrutinising communication exchanges among the suspects, a move believed to be yielding crucial leads. Officials hinted that more arrests could follow as the investigation deepens.
The first group of 16 officers currently under detention comprises personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, including one Brigadier General, one Colonel, four Lieutenant Colonels, five Majors, two Captains, one Lieutenant Commander, one Squadron Leader, and one Army Lieutenant.
Those arrested were identified as Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (Nasarawa, 44th Regular Course), Colonel M.A. Ma’aji (Niger, 47th Course), Lieutenant Colonels S. Bappah (Bauchi), A.A. Hayatu (Kaduna), Dangnan (Plateau), and M. Almakura (Nasarawa). Others include Majors A.J. Ibrahim (Gombe), M.M. Jiddah (Katsina), M.A. Usman (FCT), D. Yusuf (Gombe), I. Dauda (Jigawa), Captains I. Bello and A.A. Yusuf, Lieutenant S.S. Felix, Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi (Navy), and Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu (Air Force).
Most of the detained officers reportedly belong to the Infantry Corps, Signals Corps, and Ordnance Corps of the Nigerian Army.
Funds Linked to Ex-Governor and Minister
Investigators have also traced a substantial amount of money to the network allegedly backing the plot. According to insiders, a joint operation involving the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other security agencies established a financial trail linked to a former governor who also served as a minister of state.
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The detained officers are said to be cooperating with investigators, offering detailed accounts of their recruitment, funding channels, and designated responsibilities within the alleged conspiracy.
Although the Defence Headquarters has yet to issue an official statement on the latest development, military sources confirmed that the investigation is being handled discreetly to avoid compromising ongoing operations.
Earlier Arrests Confirmed
Three weeks ago, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the arrest of 16 officers for what it described as “acts of indiscipline” and violations of service regulations.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, had stated that the arrests arose from a routine military exercise. He explained that some of the officers had expressed grievances over career stagnation and repeated failures in promotion examinations.
“Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service,” Gusau had said.
He assured that the military would apply full disciplinary measures upon conclusion of investigations, reiterating that the Armed Forces remain committed to maintaining order, discipline, and loyalty within its ranks.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will not tolerate any behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority,” Gusau added.
As investigations continue, the military has intensified internal surveillance and monitoring to forestall any breach of national security.
