Investigators say the foiled scheme was highly coordinated, resembling a “full-scale military takeover”. Multiple sources confirm a special “decapitation unit” of army officers was to storm the Presidential Villa (Aso Rock) and seize or eliminate President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima and other top officials.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas were also marked as targets.
Beyond the Villa, teams would concurrently attack key security installations.
One group would seize the Niger Barracks, where Nigeria’s top military chiefs reside. Another group would capture the Army Headquarters complex. Yet another would overrun Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. These actions would effectively paralyze the capital and cut off escape routes.
As one security source put it, the plot was “highly coordinated, with clear command structures, targets, and timelines”.
Under this blueprint, each element of government and security was marked for neutralisation. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was listed as a high-value target. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was also identified as a high-value target. Additionally, the Director-General of the State Security Service, Adeola Ajayi, was marked as a high-value target.
Specific officers were assigned top-hit tasks: Lieutenant-Colonel S. Bappah was to kill the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt-Col P. Dangnap the Chief of Army Staff, Majors Dauda and Jiddah the Air Chief and Guards Brigade commander respectively.
“They were waiting for a day when all of them would be in the country. Wherever they were, they would be assassinated,” one insider told Premium Times during an earlier investigation.
In sum, sources say the network spanned battlefield, logistics, and even propaganda components. Prosecutors allege civilians were complicit in reconnaissance and messaging roles. These civilians included a villa electrician, an ambulance driver, and even an actor.
Arrests, Assets and Statements
Official and media reports indicate a covert joint operation occurred in late September 2025. Army intelligence and the SSS conducted the operation. They rounded up the alleged conspirators.
Premium Times identifies at least 40 suspects. They include mainly serving officers, from Brigadier-Generals down to captains and NCOs. There are also a few police and civilians now in custody.
Two principal financiers have been identified. They are ex-Governor Timipre Sylva from Bayelsa and businessman Moses Zakwa. Moses Zakwa is accused of funneling roughly ₦835 million into the plot through shell companies.
Sylva (Minister under Buhari) allegedly wired ₦785m to an Abuja firm. He remains at large. Zakwa is said to have transferred about ₦50m.
Security forces say they recovered a major arsenal during the raids. Premium Times and AllAfrica report that troops seized heavy weapons and vehicles from suspects. These included gun-trucks, anti-aircraft cannons, PKT machine guns, RPG launchers, AK-47 rifles, and tons of ammunition.
Dozens of vehicles were also impounded. These include Toyota Hilux trucks, a Prado SUV, saloon cars, and over 30 Volkswagen Golfs. They were apparently for rapid deployment and covert movement in Abuja.
“All recovered exhibits are in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency,” one source said. Observers noted the scope of the cache. It showed a “serious intent and preparedness.” This was chilling evidence of how close the plan may have come to execution.
The military’s own statements have grown steely. In January 2026, Defence Headquarters (DHQ) publicly confirmed its investigation of 16 detained officers. The investigation revealed firm evidence of an overthrow plot.
Major-General Samaila Uba (defence spokesperson) said the panel’s findings would be forwarded to an appropriate superior authority. Those implicated would face a court-martial.
He reminded Nigerians that such actions were “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards” of the Armed Forces.
Vanguard reports Uba emphasising that proceedings would observe “due process and fairness” under the Armed Forces Act.
The DHQ press release reported that the probe uncovered “allegations of plotting to overthrow the government.” Reuters confirmed these findings. Military chiefs have termed this a “grave breach” of duty.
Legal Implications and Expert Views
The unfolding saga has raised complex legal questions. Many legal analysts insist that an alleged treasonable felony (attempted coup) falls outside military jurisdiction.
Human-rights lawyer Frank Tietie told ARISE News that Nigeria’s Armed Forces Act does not empower the military to try officers for treason. He argued that such cases must go to a civilian court.
“When you keep mentioning the Armed Forces Act, the Armed Forces do not have the power to accuse any service officer of treason,” Tietie said.
He warned that in a democracy “if you are truly alleging a coup… it cannot end in a court-martial; it must go to the Federal High Court” and through full appeal processes.
Tietie praised the intelligence agencies for unearthing the plot early, but cautioned against sensational language.
Nonetheless, the military has signalled that it will try its officers internally. DHQ has said it will convene a special military tribunal once presidential approval is obtained.
Several journalists report awaiting court-martial panel formation. The Defence spokesman assured the public that any accused would be treated in line with the law.
“Subjected to trial by a military panel… ensuring full accountability and adherence to the principles of fairness and due process,” he promised.
Even so, the conflict between military and civilian jurisdiction remains unsettled. Some analysts say that if charges of treason are officially filed, the AGF’s office will likely advise a referral to a federal court.
Families Demand Transparency
The official narrative has been staunchly challenged by families of the arrested officers. In a well-publicised Abuja press conference, wives and mothers of the 40+ suspects made demands. They insisted on open trials and wanted access to their kin.
They complained of indefinite detention (now over 160 days) without charge:
“husbands and brothers have been in detention for over 160 days without being brought before an open court of law,” spokeswoman Memuna Bashiru told BusinessDay.
The relatives decried what they call “trial by media” – referring to official leaks of sensational claims.
“We have watched helplessly as narratives are presented to the public, subjecting our husbands to a media trial,” Bashiru said.
Families also allege intimidation: “some of us have faced aggression…from the very men in uniform who swore an oath to protect us,” one statement read.
They pointed to inconsistencies in the official story. Authorities initially reported finding roughly ₦12 billion tied to an officer. Families later noted that the figure was revised to ₦835 million in company accounts, not personal ones.
“What was presented as a massive ₦12 billion discovery has now become less than seven per cent of that original figure,” their statement complained.
The families insist the detainees are innocent until proven guilty under Nigeria’s Constitution.
“We do not want secret military proceedings… We want a public court,” they urged, warning that “a secret trial is no trial at all”.
The narrative shift – from “indiscipline” to attempted coup – has deepened mistrust, they say.
Human-rights activists have echoed the demand for transparency. Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore and others attended the press event, emphasising that justice must be seen to be done.
As one mother asked: if the situation were reversed, “would you not want the same transparency and openness we now beg for?”.
Military investigators claim their work is done. Families and civil-society groups are pressing President Tinubu. They want him to personally ensure a fair, open process.
Outlook
With the defence chiefs relieved of their duties in recent shake-ups, the authorities insist they will now focus on prosecutions. Aides say the Defence Headquarters has completed its probe and forwarded the report for “appropriate action”.
The President, as Commander‑in‑Chief, must approve any court-martial or refer charges to civilian courts. Two suspects remain fugitives. One is a retired general, and the other is the ex‑governor accused of funding. Authorities are seeking them both at home and abroad.
Some sources say one absconder was traced to South America, highlighting the international dimension of the hunt.
As proceedings loom, questions persist. Will the trials be open to the press as families demand, or held behind closed military doors?
Will the courts grapple with the fundamental point raised by rights lawyers – that treason cannot be tried in barracks? The situation is evident. The storm has exposed deep rifts between civilian leadership and the military. It has also exposed rifts with those who serve in it.
As one insider warned, handling the matter transparently is crucial. Failure to do so risks undermining public trust in the armed forces. It also risks undermining the democratic process.
The coming days will test Nigeria’s institutions. They must hold the guilty to account. At the same time, they need to uphold the rule of law for all.
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