New information has surfaced regarding the identities of 16 senior military officers currently being held in connection with an alleged failed coup attempt targeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.
According to sources close to the investigation, the detained personnel comprise 14 Nigerian Army officers, one Naval officer, and one Air Force officer. Of the Army contingent, 12 belong to the Infantry Corps, with one each from the Signals Corps and Ordnance Corps.
Security investigators describe the suspected plot as “well-coordinated and deeply concerning,” with the detained officers spanning various command structures and operational formations across the armed forces.
The suspects include one brigadier general, one colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains, one lieutenant from the Army, plus a lieutenant commander from the Navy and a squadron leader from the Air Force.
Key Suspects
Brigadier General Sadiq (N/10321) – Born January 3, 1974, the Nasarawa State native is believed to be the alleged mastermind behind the plot. A member of the 44th Regular Course at the Nigerian Defence Academy, he was commissioned in 1997. His distinguished career includes commanding the 3rd Brigade in Kano and serving as Garrison Commander of the 81 Division in Lagos. However, he was previously detained in October 2024 over accusations of selling military equipment and misappropriating palliatives.
Colonel Ma’aji (N/10668) – The 48-year-old Infantry Corps officer from Niger State graduated from the 47th Regular Course. He formerly commanded the 19 Battalion in Okitipupa, Ondo State, and participated in Operation Delta Safe and Operation Crocodile Smile II in the Niger Delta region.
Lieutenant Colonel Bappah (N/13036) – A Signals Corps officer from Bauchi State, born June 21, 1984, who completed his training between September 2004 and October 2008.
Lieutenant Colonel Hayatu (N/13038) – This Infantry officer from Kaduna State, born August 13, 1983, joined through the 56th Regular Course and was commissioned in 2008.
Lieutenant Colonel Dangnap (N/13025) – A Plateau State indigene born April 1, 1986, who was previously court-martialed in 2015 during the Boko Haram conflict. He also belongs to the 56th Regular Course.
Lieutenant Colonel Almakura (N/12983) – From Nasarawa State, born March 18, 1983, this Infantry officer trained at the NDA between 2004 and 2008 under the 56th Regular Course.
Mid-Ranking Officers
Major Ibrahim (N/13065) – A Gombe State native born June 12, 1987, who joined the Infantry Corps through the 56th Regular Course and was promoted to captain in 2013.
Major Jiddah (N/13003) – Born July 9, 1985, this Katsina State officer trained at the NDA from 2004 to 2008 as part of the 56th Regular Course.
Major Usman (N/15404) – An Infantry officer from Abuja, born April 1, 1989, who joined through the 60th Regular Course.
Major Yusuf (N/14753) – Serving in the Ordnance Corps, this Gombe State officer was born May 26, 1988, and trained at the NDA from 2007 to 2012 under the 59th Regular Course.
Major Dauda (N/13625) – A Jigawa State native born November 26, 1983, who entered the Army through Direct Short Service Commission and trained between June 2009 and March 2010.
Junior Officers and Other Services
Captain Bello (N/16266) – Born July 28, 1987, he joined through Direct Short Service Commission Course 43.
Captain Yusuf (N/16724) – A Nigerian Army officer whose background details remain limited.
Lieutenant Felix (N/18105) – An Infantry officer with minimal publicly available service history.
Lieutenant Commander Abdullahi (NN/3289) – The sole Navy representative among the suspects, holding a rank equivalent to Major in the Army.
Squadron Leader Adamu (NAF/3481) – The only Air Force officer under investigation, also equivalent to the Army rank of Major.
Ongoing Investigation
Military authorities have not officially confirmed the identities or disclosed details regarding the investigation’s progress. However, insider sources indicate that the Defence Headquarters is conducting “discreet interrogations” to determine each officer’s level of involvement in the alleged conspiracy.
The situation has created considerable unease within military circles, as the government continues to stress the importance of loyalty, professionalism, and discipline among all serving officers.
The investigation remains ongoing, with no official statement yet released regarding potential charges or the timeline for completing the inquiry.
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