Military arrests 15 more officers over alleged coup plot, detentions rise to over 40

Military arrests 15 more officers over alleged coup plot, detentions rise to over 40

By Johnson Arua

Fresh developments indicate that the military has arrested an additional 15 officers across various ranks in connection with an alleged coup plot against the Federal Government, bringing the total number of detained personnel to more than 40.

Top security sources told Vanguard that the latest arrests were made after those initially held reportedly disclosed the expected roles of other officers said to be involved in what investigators have described as a “grand plot.”

According to the sources, security agencies are currently analysing communication between the suspects, a move that may lead to more arrests as the investigation progresses.

Vanguard confirmed that the first batch of 16 detained officers cuts across several ranks and services, including one Brigadier General, one Colonel, four Lieutenant Colonels, five Majors, two Army Captains, one Navy Lieutenant Commander, one Air Force Squadron Leader, and one Army Lieutenant.

Those arrested earlier were identified as:

Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (Nasarawa, 44th Regular Course)

Colonel M.A. Ma’aji (Niger, 47th Course)

Lt Col S. Bappah (Bauchi, 56th Course)

Lt Col A.A. Hayatu (Kaduna, 56th Course)

Lt Col Dangnan (Plateau, 56th Course)

Lt Col M. Almakura (Nasarawa, 56th Course)

Major A.J. Ibrahim (Gombe, 56th Course)

Major M.M. Jiddah (Katsina, 56th Course)

Major M.A. Usman (FCT, 60th Course)

Major D. Yusuf (Gombe, 59th Course)

Major I. Dauda (Jigawa, DSSC 38)

Captain I. Bello (DSSC 43)

Captain A.A. Yusuf

Lieutenant S.S. Felix (DSSC)

Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi (Navy)

Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu (Air Force)


Most of the officers are reportedly drawn from the Infantry, Signals and Ordnance Corps.

Funds Traced to Former Governor, Minister

Insiders also alleged that investigators have traced substantial financial transactions linked to the suspected network behind the plot. Collaboration between the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies reportedly connected the funds to a former governor who once served as a minister of state.

Sources added that the officers in custody are cooperating with interrogators, revealing how they were recruited and the roles they were assigned.

Although the Defence Headquarters is yet to officially comment on the fresh wave of arrests, sources said the military is handling the matter discreetly pending the conclusion of investigations.

The development comes three weeks after Defence Headquarters confirmed the arrest of 16 officers for “acts of indiscipline” and violations of service rules.

At the time, Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the arrests stemmed from routine internal checks and cited 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 military service,” Gusau stated.

He noted that the suspects would face full disciplinary procedures once investigations are completed, stressing that the military remains committed to maintaining order, discipline, and loyalty within its ranks.

“The armed forces will not tolerate any behaviour that undermines institutional integrity or threatens the nation’s constitutional order,” he added.

Gusau further reiterated the Armed Forces’ commitment to their constitutional responsibilities and professionalism.