40 Suspects who plotted coup to topple Tinubu’s Govt in detention (FULL LIST)

Nigeria’s security agencies have concluded investigations into an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with no fewer than 40 suspects reportedly detained over their alleged roles in the conspiracy.

Those arrested are said to include senior military officers, a serving police officer and several civilians, accused of involvement in reconnaissance, funding, coordination and propaganda linked to the alleged plot.

According to a report by Premium Times, the arrests followed a covert intelligence operation jointly coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Security sources quoted in the report said 13 suspects were apprehended by the DSS, including two military personnel—one of them retired—one police officer and ten civilians.

“In total, 16 serving military officers were arrested for direct involvement, while others were linked to funding and incitement,” one source said.

The report further alleged that two civilians were recruited to incite civil unrest, which was intended to provide justification for the planned takeover.

One of the detained soldiers reportedly escaped from custody but was later rearrested by DSS operatives in Bauchi State.

On Monday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that investigations into allegations of coup plotting had been concluded and forwarded to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”

In a statement, the military said the findings identified several officers accused of plotting to overthrow the government, describing the act as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

Sources said authorities are now awaiting presidential approval for the constitution of a court-martial panel to try the indicted officers.

Plot allegedly dates back to 2023

Investigators were said to have uncovered that the alleged conspirators initially planned to disrupt the May 29, 2023 handover ceremony from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu.

However, the plan was reportedly abandoned due to funding and logistical challenges.

According to the report, the alleged plot was reactivated in 2025, following claims that nearly ₦1 billion was transferred through multiple Bureau De Change channels to finance the operation.

Former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, and a retired senior military officer identified as Major-General Adamu were named as alleged financiers of the plot and are said to be currently at large.

Security sources said one of the fleeing suspects had been traced to a South American country, although specific details were withheld for security reasons.

Alleged assassination plan

Investigators also reportedly uncovered an alleged plan to assassinate top government officials, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

“They were waiting for a day when all of them would be in the country,” a security source said. “Wherever they were, they would be assassinated.”

According to the report, the alleged plot relied on informants within the Presidential Villa, who monitored the movements of key officials.

The conspirators were also said to have planned to seize strategic facilities, including the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces Complex and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Suspects listed

Security sources provided a list of military officers and civilians allegedly arrested or linked to the investigation, spanning the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and civilian sectors. Authorities stressed that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects remain innocent until proven guilty.

Joint security operations involving multiple agencies are reportedly continuing to dismantle remaining cells and track fleeing suspects.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the DSS are also said to be interrogating several civilians over alleged roles in funding, logistics and coordination.

Sources close to the investigation said at least 25 military personnel are expected to face trial in connection with the alleged plot.

Full list of suspects:

MA Sadiq (Brigadier General)  Army  lHeadquarters Garrison

MA Ma’aji (Colonel) Defence Space Administration

S Bappah (Lt. Colonel) 525 Signal Regiment

AA Hayatu (Lt Colonel) 130 Battalion Main, Ogoja, Cross River State

P Dangnap (Lt Colonel) 134 Special Force Battalion

M Almakura (Lt Colonel) 197 Special Force Battalion

AA Jarma (Lt Colonel) CO, 35 Battalion Katsina

SM Gana (Lt Colonel) 115 Task Force Battalion

AD Dauda (Maj) Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji

JM GANAKS (Maj) Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji

AJ Ibrahim (Maj) Army Headquarters’ Department of Policy and Plans

MM Jiddah (Maj) 26 Battalion

MA Usman (Maj) 35 Battalion

D Yusuf (Maj) Forward Operating Base Molai (AHQ SG)

J Iliyasu (Maj) 3 Division Garrison

A Mohammed (Maj) 63 Brigade Garrison

DB Abdullahi (Lt Cdr) Naval Base Abuja

SB Adamu (Sqn Ldr) National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC)

NG Zuzu (Sqn Ldr) Headquarters, Nigeria Air Force Camp

G Binuga (Captain) 1 NMF Brigade

AA Yusuf (Captain) Nigerian Army of the School of Finance and Administration (NASFA)

1 Bello (Captain) 82 Division Garrison

SS Felix (Lt) 81 Division Provost Group

J Aminu (Lt) Headquarters Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR)

Nasiru Ibrahim (WO) 82 Division Garrison

Sanda Usman (Sgt) 167 Special Force Battalion

Mohammed Zubairu (Sgt) 177 Guards Battalion

Momoh Audu (Cpl) 343 Artillery Regiment

Ahmed Ibrahim (Inspector) 24 Police Mobile Force, Presidential Villa

EO Victor (Navy Capt/Rtd) 3 Abraham Avenue off Odili Road, Port Harcourt

Umoru Zekeri Julius Berger, Villa Electrician

Y Nasiru (LCpl) 82 Division Garrison

Sambo Danladi (LCpl) 82 Division Garrison

Abdul Abdullahi (SSgt) 82 Division Garrison

Ali Isah Villa Ambulance Driver

ML Mohammed (Capt) 18 Battalion

UI Yusuf (Wg Cdr) International/Helicopter Flying School, Enugu

IM Gana (Maj Gen Rtd) No 34 A Army Estate, Kubwa, Abuja

Stanley Kingley Amandi Propagandist

Goni Bukar

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