By: Sunday Ameh
The Nigerian military has reportedly carried out fresh arrests in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as investigations into the suspected conspiracy deepen.
Among those detained is Major H. Yusuf of the Nigerian Army, a member of the 57 Regular Course who recently completed his Senior Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. He is currently being held alongside several other suspects linked to what authorities have described as a coup plot.
While investigations into the matter have reportedly been ongoing since 2025, no formal trial has commenced, and details of the alleged plan remain undisclosed.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa (retd.), recently revealed that he was among senior officials allegedly marked for elimination by the suspected plotters.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, Musa claimed the conspirators planned to arrest him and shoot him if he resisted.
“I was also a target. I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was supposed to be shot,” he said.
His remarks followed confirmation by the Armed Forces that some of the 16 officers arrested in October 2025 would face prosecution for allegedly attempting to destabilise the government.
In a statement, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said investigations uncovered actions by certain officers that were inconsistent with the ethics and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He added that suspects found culpable would be arraigned before a military judicial panel in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and relevant service regulations.
Reports indicate that the alleged plot extended beyond military ranks, with several high-profile government officials reportedly listed as potential targets.
The suspected coup attempt has also been linked in some quarters to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade, although authorities have not officially confirmed the connection.
The arrests follow earlier operations in October 2025, when military intelligence operatives detained multiple officers across the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force after weeks of covert surveillance.
Sources disclosed that at least 35 military personnel — including senior officers such as a Brigadier General, Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, Majors, and non-commissioned officers — are currently in detention over the alleged plot.
A police officer, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim from Taraba State, was also reportedly arrested in Abuja by operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency.
Family members of some detained officers have raised concerns over prolonged detention and restricted access to legal representation and relatives, allegations yet to receive official response from military authorities.
The latest allegations emerge amid a wave of military takeovers and attempted coups across parts of West Africa, heightening regional concerns about democratic stability.
Investigations into the alleged plot remain ongoing.
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