Security Agencies Uncover Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu Administration
Nigerian security agencies have concluded a comprehensive investigation into an alleged conspiracy to violently overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to reports, authorities have identified 40 suspects connected to this serious security threat, with key figures including senior military personnel and civilians allegedly involved in various operational aspects of the plot.
Details of the Alleged Conspiracy
The investigation, coordinated jointly by the Nigerian Army Headquarters and the Department of State Services (DSS), revealed a sophisticated network allegedly planning to depose the democratically elected government. The suspects reportedly included military officers from various branches of the armed forces, a police officer, and civilians accused of participating in reconnaissance missions, funding operations, and propaganda activities designed to destabilize the nation.
Sources indicate that 13 individuals were initially apprehended by DSS operatives, including two military personnel (one retired), one policeman, and ten civilians. Further arrests expanded the list to include 16 military officers accused of direct participation in the plot, two civilians allegedly conducting reconnaissance, two individuals reportedly recruited to incite civil disobedience to justify military intervention, and five others connected to funding channels.
Key Figures and Security Developments
Among those identified in connection with the alleged network is retired Major General Adamu, who remains at large alongside three other suspects. Security operations have been intensified to locate these individuals. In a notable incident during the investigation, one detained soldier managed to escape custody but was subsequently rearrested by DSS operatives in Bauchi State, demonstrating the ongoing vigilance of security agencies.
Authorities are currently awaiting presidential approval to formally constitute a court-martial panel to try the military personnel involved in the alleged conspiracy. This legal process would represent a significant step in addressing the security breach through proper judicial channels.
Assassination Targets and Historical Context
Earlier reports from the investigation revealed disturbing details about the alleged plotters' intentions. Sources with direct knowledge identified several high-ranking government officials reportedly marked for assassination, including President Tinubu himself, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
One source explained the alleged plan: "They have people inside the Villa who monitor the movements of these officials. The plan was to kill them at the same time and install a military government." This revelation highlights the grave nature of the alleged threat to Nigeria's democratic institutions.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of Nigeria's complex history with military interventions. The nation experienced multiple coups and attempted coups between 1966 and 1995, with the last major scare occurring in 1997 during the administration of General Sani Abacha. The current investigation underscores ongoing challenges to democratic stability in the country.
Political Reactions and Security Implications
The alleged coup plot has generated significant political discourse within Nigeria. Adamu Garba, a former presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), commented on the situation, asserting that no coup campaign would survive in contemporary Nigeria. He suggested that international actors would intervene to dismantle any plotters and restore democratic governance if such an attempt were made.
The comprehensive list of suspects identified by security agencies includes:
- AD Dauda (Maj)
- MA Sadiq (Brigadier General)
- SM Gana (Lt Colonel)
- MA Ma'aji (Colonel)
- AA Jarma (Lt Colonel)
- S Bappah (Lt. Colonel)
- M Almakura (Lt Colonel)
- AA Hayatu (Lt Colonel)
- P Dangnap (Lt Colonel)
- JM GANAKS (Maj)
- AJ Ibrahim (Maj)
- MM Jiddah (Maj)
- MA Usman (Maj)
- D Yusuf (Maj)
- NG Zuzu (Sqn Ldr)
- SB Adamu (Sqn Ldr)
- DB Abdullahi (Lt Cdr)
- A Mohammed (Maj)
- J Iliyasu (Maj)
- G Binuga (Captain)
- AA Yusuf (Captain)
- 1 Bello (Captain)
- SS Felix (Lt)
- J Aminu (Lt)
- Nasiru Ibrahim (WO)
- Sanda Usman (Sgt)
- Mohammed Zubairu (Sgt)
- Momoh Audu (Cpl)
- Ahmed Ibrahim (Inspector)
- Goni Bukar
- EO Victor (Navy Capt/Rtd)
- Umoru Zekeri
- Y Nasiru (LCpl)
- Sambo Danladi (LCpl)
- Abdul Abdullahi (SSgt)
- Ali Isah
- ML Mohammed (Capt)
- UI Yusuf (Wg Cdr)
- Stanley Kingley Amandi
- IM Gana (Maj Gen Rtd)
This development represents one of the most significant security challenges faced by the Tinubu administration since taking office. The thorough investigation and subsequent identification of suspects demonstrate the capability of Nigerian security agencies to uncover and address serious threats to national stability. As the legal process moves forward, the nation watches closely to see how this alleged plot against democratic governance will be resolved through proper judicial channels.
