Alleged Coup: Details Emerge on Detained Military Officers in Nigeria

Fresh details have emerged about the military officers detained over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s government. According to a Premium Times investigation, sixteen officers from different branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces were initially arrested, sparking intense interest and speculation within military and political circles.

Out of the sixteen suspects, fourteen are from the Nigerian Army, while the remaining two belong to the Navy and Air Force. Among the Army officers, the ranks range from a brigadier general to a lieutenant, including a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, and two captains. The detained Navy officer holds the rank of lieutenant commander, equivalent to a major in the Army, while the Air Force officer is a squadron leader.

Most of the Army officers under detention are from the Infantry Corps, which is the main combat arm of the service. Others are drawn from the Signals and Ordnance Corps, responsible for communications and logistics. Many of the detained officers were trained at the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 56 Regular Course, which ran from September 2004 to October 2008. Six of the suspects—four lieutenant colonels and two majors—belong to this course, while others were trained in various NDA courses and short service programmes.

Fifteen of the sixteen detained officers reportedly come from the North-Central, North-East, and North-West regions of the country, while the only officer from the South-West is said to be the most junior of the group.

Security sources revealed that the alleged coup plotters planned to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas. However, the military has not publicly confirmed this version of events, insisting instead that the detentions were part of an internal disciplinary process to preserve order and professionalism within the ranks.

Following the reported discovery of the plot, President Tinubu approved a sweeping change in military leadership. The former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, was removed and replaced by General Olufemi Oluyede, who had previously served as Chief of Army Staff. Major General Waidi Shaibu was appointed as the new Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas became Chiefs of Air and Naval Staff, respectively. Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye retained his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Although the presidency did not directly link these leadership changes to the coup investigation, many observers believe the timing suggests a connection. Sources also hinted that more officers may have been taken into custody as investigations continue.

In a related development, security operatives reportedly raided the Abuja home of former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva, arresting his brother and personal assistant. The former governor, who is currently abroad for medical treatment, has denied any involvement in the alleged plot.

The Nigerian military has remained tight-lipped about the progress of its investigation, and the public awaits further official clarification on what could be one of the country’s most significant internal security incidents in years.