Fresh revelations from an interim military investigation have uncovered an Army Colonel as the alleged mastermind behind a coordinated coup plot aimed at overthrowing President Bola Tinubu’s government — with plans that reportedly included the elimination of the President, Vice President, ministers and top security chiefs.
According to the report sighted by The Punch, the senior officer (name withheld) allegedly recruited and funded a secret network of military personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force, assigning them to spy on critical national installations, including the Presidential Villa, major barracks, and international airports in Abuja and Lagos.
Investigators described the plot as having moved beyond complaints and grievances into early-stage operational planning for a full-scale coup d’état.
How the coup was uncovered
The conspiracy reportedly came to light following intelligence on disgruntled elements within the Armed Forces, which led to a series of arrests and interrogations.
In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters announced the arrest of 16 military officers for acts of indiscipline — a development later linked by reports to a foiled coup plan.
Though the military initially dismissed the claims as internal disciplinary issues, a full investigation has now reportedly confirmed the existence of a structured and well-funded overthrow plot.
Colonel allegedly drove recruitment, funding and strategy
The interim report paints the Colonel as the central coordinator, motivated by frustration after failing promotion exams twice.
Investigators said he allegedly recruited like-minded officers using grievances, provided financial inducements ranging from ₦2 million to ₦5 million, assigned operational roles for seizing installations, and identified “key national dignitaries” for elimination.
A search of his vehicle reportedly uncovered charms and anti-government materials, while a raid on his Abuja residence yielded sensitive documents detailing operational plans and assigned targets.
High-ranking officers implicated
Among those arrested were officers ranging from Captains to a Brigadier-General, cutting across all branches of the Armed Forces.
Investigators said encrypted platforms like WhatsApp and Zangi were used to coordinate activities, while financial trails are now being examined by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
One suspect, Lt Col S. Bappah, has reportedly turned key witness, providing detailed information on funding flows, recruitment methods and logistics.
Coup allegedly set for October 25, 2025
Security sources disclosed that the foiled takeover was planned for October 25, 2025, and was expected to be violent, with top government officials marked for elimination.
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that indicted officers will soon face a military judicial panel.
Political links under probe
Investigators are also reportedly examining possible civilian and political connections, with the name of a former minister surfacing during intelligence reviews — though no charges have yet been filed.
“The investigation is not limited to uniforms alone,” a security source said. “Financial flows, communications and political interfaces are being analysed.”
“Threat was clear and immediate” — Investigators
The interim assessment warned that the cross-service nature of the network, involvement of senior officers, and targeting of strategic installations showed classic coup-style planning.
Failure to act, investigators said, could have had grave consequences for national stability.
