Fresh details have emerged about the detention of at least 16 Nigerian military officers accused of plotting to overthrow the government.
According to credible military sources, 14 of the detained officers are from the Nigerian Army, while two others are from the Navy and the Air Force. The group includes a brigadier general, a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains, and one lieutenant.
The naval and air force officers reportedly hold the ranks of Lieutenant Commander and Squadron Leader — both equivalent to Major in the Army.
Findings indicate that 12 of the Army officers belong to the Infantry Corps, the military’s main combat unit, while one serves in the Signals Corps and another in the Ordnance Corps, responsible for weapons and logistics.
Most of the officers are said to be members of the 56 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), trained between 2004 and 2008. Others are drawn from the 44th, 47th, 59th, and 60th Regular Courses, as well as the 38th and 43rd Short Service Commission Courses.
Sources revealed that 15 of the detained officers hail from the North-central, North-east, and North-west regions, while only one — a lieutenant — is from the South-west.
The alleged plot, reportedly foiled in late September, was said to involve plans to assassinate top government officials, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Although the Defence Headquarters has not confirmed a coup attempt, it described the ongoing investigation as part of “routine internal disciplinary measures to uphold professionalism.”
Following the reported incident, President Tinubu reshuffled the military hierarchy, appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye retained his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Security insiders added that more arrests have been made as investigations deepen, with some officers taken from their duty posts and others from their homes.
In a related development, security operatives reportedly raided the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa State governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, arresting his brother and personal aide. However, Sylva’s media aide, Julius Bokoru, dismissed any link to the alleged coup plot, stating that the former governor was abroad on medical and official duties when the arrests occurred.
