Army Colonel Named as Alleged Coordinator of Coup Plot

A security probe has uncovered a suspected attempt to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration, allegedly involving a covert group of serving military officers led by an Army Colonel, whose identity was withheld. Investigators identified the officer as the driving force behind the scheme, linking him directly to its financing, recruitment of participants, and strategic planning.

The Colonel, who is alleged to be involved in the plot, was said to have been motivated by prolonged dissatisfaction over stalled career advancement. He had quietly assembled sympathetic officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, assigning them reconnaissance roles around sensitive locations such as the Presidential Villa, major military installations, and international airports, according to Punch.

In October 2025, the DHQ announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

Providing an update on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, stated that a comprehensive investigation had now been concluded in accordance with established military procedures, and the report had been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.

The investigation report identified the indicted Colonel as the central figure allegedly directing the conspiracy, describing him as the coordinator around whom the plot revolved.

Investigators concluded that the scheme had progressed beyond mere expressions of dissatisfaction, advancing into preparatory actions that included discreet monitoring of strategic national facilities. These locations reportedly included the Presidential Villa, the Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and international airports in both Abuja and Lagos.

The plot was reportedly uncovered after intelligence services detected unrest among dissatisfied personnel within the Armed Forces of Nigeria, alongside sympathetic civilian elements. This intelligence triggered a series of arrests, interrogations, and analytical linkages that ultimately revealed an organised effort to overthrow the government.

According to the findings, the Army officer—who allegedly failed promotion examinations on two occasions—capitalised on shared frustrations within the ranks to enlist supporters. Investigators said he frequently voiced grievances over his stalled career and allegedly advocated the need for a change in government.

Security searches conducted during the probe reportedly uncovered charms and anti-government materials inside the officer’s vehicle. A subsequent search of his residence in Lokogoma, Apo, was said to have yielded highly classified documents, including role assignments for key participants and written notes outlining how prominent national figures were to be managed during the operation.

The report further stated that multiple witness accounts directly linked the Colonel to the coordination of the plot, identifying him as the primary source of funding, recruitment, and ideological motivation. Several implicated officers reportedly described him as the individual who offered financial incentives and provided the rationale used to justify their involvement.

See also:

Echoes of Tragedy: Lessons from the Challenger Disaster. By Yomi Akinfesoye

Tinubu Stumbles During Ceremonial Welcome in Türkiye

Tinubu Survives Military Coup: Army Moves to Try Indicted Officers

Sit-At-Home: Soludo Shuts Onitsha Market After Traders Defy Orders

Tax: LIRS Gets Power to Reach Into Bank Accounts of Tax Defaulters