Fresh information has surfaced about several Nigerian military officers being detained over an alleged coup attempt aimed at top government officials. The officers, drawn from different branches of the armed forces, were reportedly arrested in late September as security agencies uncovered the planned takeover.
According to sources close to the investigation, sixteen officers were initially taken into custody, though the number has increased as the probe widens. Out of the first sixteen, fourteen belong to the Nigerian Army, while one each serves in the Navy and the Air Force. The Army officers include a brigadier general, a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains, and a lieutenant. The naval officer is said to be a lieutenant commander, and the Air Force officer a squadron leader.
Most of the Army suspects are from the Infantry Corps, which handles combat operations on the ground. Others come from the Signals Corps, responsible for communications, and the Ordnance Corps, which manages weapons, vehicles, and military supplies. Many of the detained officers trained under the 56 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy between 2004 and 2008, while others are from courses such as the 44th, 47th, 59th, and 60th Regular Courses, as well as the Short Service Commission Courses 38 and 43.
Sources revealed that fifteen of the sixteen arrested officers come from the North-central, North-east, and North-west regions, while the only officer from the South-west is a lieutenant. The detained officers are currently facing internal investigations for their alleged involvement in the plot.
Reports indicate that the plan involved the assassination of top government leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Security operatives reportedly discovered the plan before it was executed, leading to immediate arrests across different states.
In the weeks following the arrests, President Tinubu carried out major changes in the military command. General Olufemi Oluyede replaced General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff. Major General Waidi Shaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke became Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas took over as Chief of Naval Staff. Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye retained his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence. Although the presidency did not link the changes to the alleged coup, many observers believe the decision may have been connected to the ongoing investigation.
As investigations continue, reports also suggest that the military raided the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, and detained his brother, who works as his personal assistant. Mr. Sylva, however, denied any role in the alleged plot through his spokesperson, stating that he was outside the country for medical treatment and other engagements at the time.
Efforts by journalists to contact the former governor were unsuccessful, as calls to his known phone line did not connect. Meanwhile, the military has maintained silence on the progress of its investigation, but sources said more officers could still be arrested as new information comes to light.