Fresh intelligence details have emerged on the foiled coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, revealing how a serving Army Colonel allegedly masterminded a covert cross-service network aimed at undermining Nigeria’s constitutional order before security agencies swiftly moved in to dismantle the plot.
The revelation follows the Defence Headquarters’ (DHQ) confirmation of the arrest of 16 military officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations — a development that has stirred unease within the Armed Forces.
According to an interim investigation report obtained by Punch Newspapers, the alleged ringleader, an Army Colonel, became embittered after repeated promotion failures, which reportedly drove him to recruit disgruntled officers across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Investigators discovered that the network had begun mapping critical national installations, including the Presidential Villa, the Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks, and international airports in Abuja and Lagos, studying security routines and access points.
Security operatives said searches on the officer’s vehicle uncovered charms and anti-government materials, while a raid on his home in Lokogoma, Apo, led to the recovery of classified documents detailing operational roles and plans for detaining key national figures once the coup was launched.
The conspirators allegedly infiltrated the Presidential Villa, using compromised construction contractors linked to Julius Berger to gather internal security information. They reportedly communicated via encrypted platforms, coordinated funding and logistics, and masked suspicious financial transactions and vehicle repairs as preparations for mobilisation.
Financial trails showed payments ranging between ₦2 million and ₦5 million to several officers, which intelligence agencies are now tracing through the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
One suspect, Lt-Col S. Bappah, has reportedly become a critical witness, confessing to his role and revealing details of recruitment methods, communication patterns, and financial channels within the conspiracy.
The alleged coup, which was set for October 25, 2025, was described by investigators as “lethal in scope,” with top government officials — including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, and service chiefs — marked as targets.
Security sources said the cross-service collaboration made the plot particularly dangerous, cutting across multiple military branches and involving officers up to the rank of Brigadier-General.
The DHQ has since forwarded investigation reports to superior authorities and confirmed that the indicted personnel will face court martial proceedings, in line with military regulations.
Authorities have also expanded the probe to include civilian financiers and political contacts linked to the conspirators, as intelligence agencies intensify efforts to dismantle all layers of the network and reinforce the nation’s internal security framework.
Officials describe the failed coup as a “well-funded and coordinated threat” that was neutralised before execution, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s democracy and constitutional stability.
administration, revealing how a serving Army Colonel allegedly masterminded a covert cross-service network aimed at undermining Nigeria’s constitutional order before security agencies swiftly moved in to dismantle the plot.
The revelation follows the Defence Headquarters’ (DHQ) confirmation of the arrest of 16 military officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations — a development that has stirred unease within the Armed Forces.
According to an interim investigation report obtained by Punch Newspapers, the alleged ringleader, an Army Colonel, became embittered after repeated promotion failures, which reportedly drove him to recruit disgruntled officers across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Investigators discovered that the network had begun mapping critical national installations, including the Presidential Villa, the Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks, and international airports in Abuja and Lagos, studying security routines and access points.
Security operatives said searches on the officer’s vehicle uncovered charms and anti-government materials, while a raid on his home in Lokogoma, Apo, led to the recovery of classified documents detailing operational roles and plans for detaining key national figures once the coup was launched.
The conspirators allegedly infiltrated the Presidential Villa, using compromised construction contractors linked to Julius Berger to gather internal security information. They reportedly communicated via encrypted platforms, coordinated funding and logistics, and masked suspicious financial transactions and vehicle repairs as preparations for mobilisation.
Financial trails showed payments ranging between ₦2 million and ₦5 million to several officers, which intelligence agencies are now tracing through the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
One suspect, Lt-Col S. Bappah, has reportedly become a critical witness, confessing to his role and revealing details of recruitment methods, communication patterns, and financial channels within the conspiracy.
The alleged coup, which was set for October 25, 2025, was described by investigators as “lethal in scope,” with top government officials — including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, and service chiefs — marked as targets.
Security sources said the cross-service collaboration made the plot particularly dangerous, cutting across multiple military branches and involving officers up to the rank of Brigadier-General.
The DHQ has since forwarded investigation reports to superior authorities and confirmed that the indicted personnel will face court martial proceedings, in line with military regulations.
Authorities have also expanded the probe to include civilian financiers and political contacts linked to the conspirators, as intelligence agencies intensify efforts to dismantle all layers of the network and reinforce the nation’s internal security framework.
Officials describe the failed coup as a “well-funded and coordinated threat” that was neutralised before execution, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s democracy and constitutional stability.
