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What began as an alleged coup plot has expanded into the exposure of a complex and far-reaching conspiracy involving arms stockpiling, covert logistics and a sophisticated funding network, according to findings from an inter-agency investigation set up by the Federal Government.
The panel, headed by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, has concluded its work and submitted its report to higher authorities.
Security sources familiar with the probe disclosed that operatives recovered a substantial cache of weapons, vehicles and tactical equipment allegedly linked to suspects within and outside the military.
Items reportedly seized include two gun-mounted trucks, anti-aircraft weapons, PKT machine guns, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) explosives, AK-47 rifles, large quantities of ammunition and assorted military gear.
Investigators traced the weapons to a lieutenant colonel attached to the Nigerian Army’s 130 Battalion.
Authorities also impounded a fleet of vehicles believed to have been procured for reconnaissance and operational movement.
Intelligence sources said the vehicles comprised four Toyota Hilux trucks, a Toyota Prado SUV, two Toyota saloon cars and no fewer than 32 Volkswagen Golf cars.
Officials said the vehicles were allegedly intended to allow operatives to move discreetly across sensitive locations, including airports and other strategic facilities, without attracting attention.
“These cars were deliberately chosen to blend in and avoid suspicion while reconnaissance and coordination activities were ongoing,” a source involved in the probe said.
The investigation reportedly identified a retired major general, Adamu, as a central figure linked to the alleged network. He, alongside three other suspects, is said to have gone underground.
One of the fleeing suspects was reportedly tracked to a country in South America, though authorities declined to provide further details, citing operational security concerns.
Security agencies are said to have intensified surveillance and are working with international partners to dismantle remaining cells believed to be connected to the plot.
Sources disclosed that the military hierarchy is awaiting presidential approval to formally announce court-martial proceedings for serving officers implicated in the case.
Earlier reports indicated that 16 officers were initially arrested in connection with the alleged plot. However, further investigations under General Undiandeye’s leadership reportedly led to additional arrests.
“At least 25 military officers and personnel are expected to face trial over their alleged roles,” a source with knowledge of the process said.
An undisclosed number of civilians, including a Nollywood actor, are also reportedly in custody. They are being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the State Security Service (SSS) over alleged involvement in funding, logistics and coordination.
Investigators further alleged that a former governor of Bayelsa State and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, played a role in financing the plot. According to sources, Mr Sylva is currently at large.
The investigation reportedly found that close to ₦1 billion was transferred in multiple tranches through three bank accounts operated by a Bureau De Change operator to bankroll the conspiracy.
Sources said the initial plan was to strike on 29 May 2023, coinciding with the presidential inauguration when power transitioned from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Bola Tinubu. The plot was allegedly shelved at the time due to funding shortfalls and logistical challenges.
Investigators said the conspirators regrouped in 2024 after raising additional resources and revived the plan.
Officials with direct knowledge of the probe claimed that the plot extended beyond the takeover of government institutions. The alleged plan reportedly included coordinated assassination attempts targeting senior political and military figures.
Among those allegedly marked were President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, as well as the service chiefs and the Commander of the Guards Brigade.
“They were waiting for a moment when most of the targets would be within the country,” one source said. “The intention was simultaneous attacks.”
The plotters were also allegedly planning to seize the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces of Nigeria Headquarters and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Senior military officers were reportedly to be detained rather than killed.
On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations into alleged subversive activities had been concluded and forwarded to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”
In a statement issued on Monday, January 26, 2026, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the report had been transmitted to the appropriate authorities.
“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel. The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN,” the statement read.
The suspects, the military said, were apprehended during a covert intelligence operation jointly coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service.