By Coolnews.ng Investigative Desk
Abuja | October 30, 2025
The Nigerian Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has released the identities of sixteen senior military officers currently being detained over an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The revelation, which follows weeks of speculation and secret investigations within the military hierarchy, has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s defence community.
According to top security sources who spoke exclusively to Coolnews.ng, the detained officers—drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force—were apprehended in coordinated intelligence operations after being placed under close surveillance for several weeks.
Earlier reports had identified one of the suspects as Lieutenant Commander B. Abdullahi of the Nigerian Navy. However, the full list of those detained has now been confirmed through internal military communications.
List of Detained Officers and Their Profiles
1. Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (N/10321)
Regarded as the suspected leader of the group, Brig. Gen. Sadiq has previously been linked to misconduct allegations. In October 2024, he was reportedly detained over claims of diverting rice palliatives and selling military equipment, including vehicles and generators, to scrap dealers.
2. Colonel M.A. Ma’aji (N/10668)
A Nupe native from Niger State, Col. Ma’aji was born on March 1, 1976, and has served in various command positions in the Nigerian Army.
3. Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah (N/13036)
Hailing from Bauchi State, Lt. Col. Bappah is a member of the 56 Regular Course and was reportedly under monitoring before his arrest.
4. Lieutenant Colonel A.A. Hayatu (N/13038)
From Kaduna State, Hayatu has served in intelligence-related units within the Army and was believed to have coordinated communication among the suspected conspirators.
5. Lieutenant Colonel P. Dangnap (N/13025)
A native of Plateau State, Dangnap was previously court-martialed in 2015 along with 29 others for offences linked to the Boko Haram counter-insurgency operations.
6. Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura (N/12983)
Born on March 18, 1983, in Nasarawa State, Almakura is another key suspect in the alleged plot.
7. Major A.J. Ibrahim (N/13065)
From Gombe State, Major Ibrahim was born on June 12, 1987. He has served in various tactical operations units.
8. Major M.M. Jiddah (N/13003)
An infantry officer from Katsina State, Major Jiddah was born on July 9, 1985, and belongs to the 56 Regular Course (2004–2008).
9. Major M.A. Usman (N/15404)
From the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Usman’s alleged role remains unclear, but sources say he was responsible for logistics coordination.
10. Major D. Yusuf (N/14753)
Born on May 26, 1988, in Gombe State, Yusuf serves in the Ordnance Corps and reportedly managed supply channels linked to the conspiracy.
11. Major I. Dauda (N/13625)
From Jigawa State, Major Dauda joined the Army through the Direct Short Service Commission (Course 38). He has been in charge of administrative coordination in one of the North-West units.
12. Captain Ibrahim Bello (N/16266)
Born on July 28, 1987, and a member of the Direct Short Service Course 43, Captain Bello was arrested at his duty post in Abuja.
13. Captain A.A. Yusuf (N/16724)
Details about Captain Yusuf remain scarce, but sources described him as “a tactical field officer with advanced communication clearance.”
14. Lieutenant S.S. Felix (N/18105)
One of the youngest among the detainees, Lt. Felix’s precise involvement is still under investigation.
15. Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi (NN/3289)
A naval officer, Lt. Cmdr. Abdullahi is one of two non-Army suspects. He was allegedly part of the intelligence meetings that triggered the DIA’s operation.
16. Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu (NAF/3481)
From the Nigerian Air Force, Adamu’s alleged role in the operation is still being reviewed by the Air Force Directorate of Intelligence.
Connection to Timipre Sylva Under Investigation
The Defence Intelligence Agency has reportedly widened its probe to include certain political figures believed to have had contact with the detained officers. Among those named in the investigation is former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, whose Maitama residence in Abuja was recently raided by a special military team.
Multiple security sources told Coolnews.ng that the operation was conducted after intelligence linked a “former South-South governor” to a series of covert meetings with some of the detained military officers.
Sylva, who served as Minister between 2019 and 2023 and was the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Bayelsa’s 2023 election, has publicly denied any involvement in the coup plot. In a press release issued through his media aide, Sylva confirmed that his home was searched but maintained that he had “no connection whatsoever with any alleged subversive activity.”
Official Silence Amid Tension
As of press time, neither the Nigerian Defence Headquarters nor the Ministry of Defence has issued an official statement on the arrests. However, insiders at the DIA confirmed that the suspects are being held in a secure facility in Abuja for continued interrogation.
The alleged coup plot marks one of the most significant internal security scares under President Tinubu’s administration, coming barely a year after similar intelligence warnings were reportedly issued by the National Security Adviser’s office.
Security analysts warn that the development underscores growing unease within the ranks of the military over economic hardship, leadership discontent, and alleged political interference.
Coolnews.ng will continue to monitor developments on this story as investigations unfold.
— Coolnews.ng | Independent. Accurate. Fearless.
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