Fresh Details Emerge from Secret Coup Investigation Records
Confidential investigation records relating to an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's administration have revealed how suspected conspirators assigned strategic targets, adopted coded language, and prepared a transition plan for a new government. The documents, running into more than 7,400 pages, contain statements made by suspects, financial records, internal notes, documentary exhibits, and transcripts of alleged conversations gathered during the investigation.
According to Premium Times reports, the records paint a detailed picture of how the operation was allegedly planned before authorities moved to disrupt it. The alleged organizers were previously identified as Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma'aji, retired Colonel M.M. Adamu, Lieutenant Colonel Shamsuddeen Bappah, and Major Abdulkarim Ibrahim. Military authorities said the retired officer remains at large.
Coded Language and Secret Communications
Statements from several suspects indicate that those involved allegedly relied on coded expressions during meetings to conceal the nature of their discussions. Members reportedly referred to themselves as farmers, while the operation itself was described as farming. Other coded expressions included fertilisers for logistics, harvest for the execution date, digital farming for the operation, and technical partners for clerics approached for prayers. Investigators also said the terms D-Day and H-hour referred to the planned date and exact time of the operation.
Major Abdulkarim Ibrahim told investigators that planners proposed launching the operation between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., believing that period matched the pattern of previous military takeovers. He also claimed three dates featured repeatedly during discussions: 27 September 2025, 1 October 2025, and 4 October 2025. However, investigators said no final date was fixed because preparations had not been completed and the availability of personnel and equipment remained uncertain. "Col Ma’aji mentioned that the availability of troops and equipment would determine which of the dates would be D-Day," Major Ibrahim stated.
Targets Identified: Presidential Villa, Airports, and Military Bases
Investigation records indicate that participants were assigned responsibility for specific locations across the country. One suspect was tasked with leading operations at the Presidential Villa after reconnaissance was allegedly carried out with assistance from insiders, including a police officer. Evidence before the Federal High Court also suggested that planners considered cutting electricity to the Presidential Villa before the operation commenced. However, one accused, Julius Berger employee Zekeri Umoru, reportedly warned that doing so would immediately attract attention and expose workers stationed at the complex.
Court proceedings heard allegations that the group intended to recruit between 18 and 19 individuals, including soldiers, State Security Service personnel, and staff working inside the Presidential Villa. Other assignments allegedly included taking control of the Armed Forces Headquarters, military formations in Abuja, Niger State, and Lagos, as well as the residences of senior military commanders. One officer was expected to seize Radio House in Abuja and deliver the nationwide broadcast announcing the takeover.
Airports also featured prominently in the alleged operational plan. Investigators said the suspects believed flights would need to be halted during the operation. A Nigerian Air Force officer was expected to deploy a gun truck onto the Abuja airport runway, while another suspect claimed he had been directed to study security arrangements at Lagos airport before disrupting flight operations. "I knew the airport’s security arrangements due to my role in traffic control during visits of VIPs," a suspect named Felix reportedly told investigators.
Logistics and Troop Mobilization
Statements in the investigation files suggest the alleged conspirators planned to source troops, weapons, and vehicles from several military formations across the country. Some suspects claimed they had assurances that personnel, ammunition, and military equipment would be available once an execution date was agreed. One suspect reportedly claimed he had access to troops and operational vehicles under his command, while others discussed deploying multiple gun trucks during the operation.
The documents also contain differing accounts regarding the treatment of senior military officers. Major Ibrahim told investigators that he advised against bloodshed and said the intended plan was to arrest service chiefs rather than kill them. However, another suspect claimed discussions included the possibility of arresting or killing a former Chief of Defence Staff to prevent resistance. That account has not been tested in court.
Transition Plan and New Government Structure
According to investigators, the documents outline plans for governing the country if the operation had succeeded. Major Ibrahim claimed Colonel Ma'aji intended to assume office as Head of Government and move into the Presidential Villa after it was secured. A new set of service chiefs would have been announced during an inaugural address, and participants were reportedly asked what positions they wished to occupy in the proposed administration.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The allegations remain the subject of ongoing criminal proceedings before both a General Court Martial and the Federal High Court in Abuja. Several defendants have challenged the admissibility of their recorded statements and video evidence, arguing that investigators failed to comply with legal safeguards during the collection process. Prosecutors have rejected those claims and insisted the investigation followed due process. The court has yet to rule on the objections.
Tinubu Restructures Security Architecture
In a related development, President Bola Tinubu sacked all the service chiefs and announced their replacements with immediate effect, according to a presidency statement. The move was described as part of efforts to strengthen the national security architecture, amid rumors of a possible coup attempt by some military officers.
