Recent reports indicate that the military has arrested an additional 15 officers in connection with an alleged coup plot against the Nigerian government, raising the total number of detained personnel to over 40. This new wave of arrests followed interrogations of the initial 16 officers who were taken into custody, revealing the roles the newly apprehended officers were expected to play in what investigators are describing as a “grand plot.”
Sources informed Vanguard that security agencies are currently analyzing communication exchanges among the suspects, suggesting that further arrests may be forthcoming as the investigation progresses.
The initial group of 16 detained officers includes a range of ranks, such as:
- 1 Brigadier General
- 1 Colonel
- 4 Lieutenant Colonels
- 5 Majors
- 2 Army Captains
- 1 Lieutenant Commander (Navy)
- 1 Squadron Leader (Air Force)
- 1 Army Lieutenant
The officers reportedly hail from various corps, including the Infantry, Signals, and Ordnance Corps. Notable names among those detained are Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq and Colonel M.A. Ma’aji.
Investigators have traced significant funds connected to the alleged coup plot to a former governor who also served as a minister of state. This collaboration involves the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Although the Defence Headquarters has not officially commented on the latest arrests, it is understood that the military is keeping details confidential pending the conclusion of the investigation. This development comes three weeks after the Defence Headquarters confirmed the earlier arrests of 16 officers for “acts of indiscipline” and violations of service regulations.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, emphasized that the military would not tolerate any behavior undermining the integrity of the institution and reiterated the armed forces’ commitment to their constitutional responsibilities.
