National Security

Sixteen Nigerian Military Officers Detained Over Alleged Coup Plot

2 months ago
Usman Ishaq Shehu
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Sixteen Nigerian military officers have been detained over an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to sources, the detained officers include fourteen from the Nigerian Army, one from the Navy, and one from the Air Force. Most of them are from the Infantry Corps, while others belong to the Signals and Ordnance units.

Those reportedly detained are:
1.Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (N/10321) – Alleged ringleader, from Nasarawa State, Infantry Corps.
2.Colonel M.A. Ma’aji (N/10668) – From Niger State, former Commanding Officer of 19 Battalion, Okitipupa.
3.Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah (N/13036) – From Bauchi State, Signals Corps.
4.Lieutenant Colonel A.A. Hayatu (N/13038) – From Kaduna State, Infantry Corps.
5.Lieutenant Colonel P. Dangnap (N/13025) – From Plateau State, Infantry Corps, previously court-martialled in 2015.
6.Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura (N/12983) – From Nasarawa State, Infantry Corps.
7.Major A.J. Ibrahim (N/13065) – From Gombe State, Infantry Corps.
8.Major M.M. Jiddah (N/13003) – From Katsina State, Infantry Corps.
9.Major M.A. Usman (N/15404) – From the Federal Capital Territory, Infantry Corps.
10.Major D. Yusuf (N/14753) – From Gombe State, Ordnance Corps.
11.Major I. Dauda (N/13625) – From Jigawa State, Short Service Commission.
12.Captain Ibrahim Bello (N/16266) – Short Service Commission.
13.Captain A.A. Yusuf (N/16724) – Army, details withheld.
14.Lieutenant S.S. Felix (N/18105) – Nigerian Army, limited details.
15.Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi (NN/3289) – Nigerian Navy.
16.Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu (NAF/3481) – Nigerian Air Force.

Sources revealed that the officers were arrested after weeks of intelligence gathering and internal surveillance by military authorities.

Although the Defence Headquarters has not issued a detailed statement, it has previously denied that the scaled-down Independence Day celebration was linked to any alleged coup plot.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the authenticity and scope of the alleged plot. Security experts say the detentions represent one of the most significant internal probes within Nigeria’s Armed Forces in recent years.