A comprehensive inter-agency investigation has unearthed exclusive details concerning an elaborate plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government last year. Led by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, the probe panel has concluded its findings, revealing a sophisticated scheme involving military officers and civilians in reconnaissance, funding, and propaganda operations.

Investigators recovered a significant arsenal of weapons and vehicles linked to the conspiracy. From a lieutenant colonel attached to the army’s 130 Battalion, authorities seized two gun trucks, anti-aircraft (AA) guns, PKT guns, RPG bombs, AK-47 rifles, and tactical gear. Additionally, four Toyota Hilux trucks, one Toyota Prado SUV, two Toyota saloon cars, and 32 Volkswagen Golf vehicles were confiscated. These vehicles, allegedly procured for covert operations, were used to facilitate discreet movements, gather intelligence, and access sensitive locations like airports and other strategic facilities without attracting attention.

The investigation also uncovered key figures involved in the network. Retired Major General Adamu has been identified as a central figure and remains at large, alongside three other suspects, one of whom was tracked to a country in Southern America. Furthermore, former governor and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, is accused of bankrolling the coup plotters. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr. Sylva allegedly transferred nearly N1 billion in multiple tranches to three separate bank accounts operated by a Bureau De Change operator to fund the conspiracy. While Mr. Sylva has confirmed authorities' visit to his residence, he denied any involvement, describing the attempts to link him as politically motivated, and is currently on the run.

A Nigerian Air Force Officer, Squadron Leader Noel Godday Zuzu, a relative of Timipre Sylva from Bayelsa State, was among the military officers detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in connection with the coup d’etat plot. Before his arrest on October 4, 2025, Zuzu was attached to 053 HQ NAF Camp Abuja. SaharaReporters had exclusively reported his arrest and the detention of other senior military officers involved.

The coup was initially slated for May 29, 2023, coinciding with the presidential inauguration. However, this plan was suspended due to insufficient funds and inadequate logistical arrangements. Investigators found that the conspirators reactivated their plans in 2024 after raising additional funds. The plotters targeted several top government officials for assassination, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, the service chiefs, and the Commander of the Guards Brigade. Sources confirmed that the plan was to assassinate these political leaders simultaneously, relying on informants within the Presidential Villa to monitor their movements, and waiting for a day when all targets would be in the country. The conspirators also planned to seize control of the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) Complex, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, and to detain senior military officers.

The Defence Headquarters announced that the investigation is complete and the report has been forwarded to the “appropriate superior authority.” The military stated that the findings identified “several officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” deeming such conduct inconsistent with the ethics and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The suspects were captured in a covert intelligence operation coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service (SSS).

While 16 military officers were initially arrested, a special investigative panel led to additional arrests, bringing the total to at least 25 military officers and personnel expected to face trial. An unspecified number of civilians are currently in custody, being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the SSS for alleged roles in financing, logistics, and coordination. Authorities are awaiting presidential approval to formally announce a court-martial for the soldiers involved.

An exclusive list of 36 detainees includes military officers ranging from a Brigadier General, Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, Wing Commander, Majors, Lieutenant Commander, Squadron Leaders, Captains, and a Lieutenant, alongside 10 non-commissioned officers (Warrant Officer, Sergeants, Corporal, Lance Corporals), and a police Inspector. While one Army Captain, A. Yusuf, is from Osun State, and Squadron Leader Zuzu is from Bayelsa State, 33 other officers and personnel are predominantly from the Northern part of the country, including the FCT, Nasarawa, Niger, Katsina, Kaduna, Plateau, Kano, Gombe, Bauchi, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Taraba, Yobe, Kogi, Sokoto, and Adamawa States. Concerns have been raised by families of the detained officers regarding inhumane treatment, prolonged incommunicado detention, and denial of access to lawyers and relatives, with some spouses reporting they were not informed of transfers between detention facilities or allowed visits since the arrests.