Security agencies have recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, vehicles and cash from serving and retired military officers, as well as civilians, suspected to be involved in a plot to topple President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The recoveries followed an extensive inter-agency investigation ordered by the federal government and conducted by a probe panel headed by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye.
The panel has since concluded its work, uncovering what investigators described as a well-coordinated operation involving surveillance, financing and propaganda activities.
Sources familiar with the investigation said the suspects were arrested during a covert intelligence operation jointly coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service (SSS).
According to security sources, investigators recovered two gun trucks, anti-aircraft (AA) guns, PKT guns, RPG bombs, AK-47 rifles, ammunition and other tactical equipment from a lieutenant colonel attached to the army’s 130 Battalion.
Authorities also seized a fleet of vehicles allegedly procured to support the operation. These include four Toyota Hilux trucks, one Toyota Prado SUV, two Toyota saloon cars and 32 Volkswagen Golf vehicles.
Investigators said the vehicles were intended to facilitate intelligence gathering and provide discreet access to sensitive locations such as airports and other strategic facilities.
“The cars were used to move operatives around without attracting attention and to conduct reconnaissance activities linked to the plot,” one source said.
The investigation further identified retired Major General Adamu as a key figure connected to the alleged conspiracy. He is currently at large, along with three other suspects.
Intelligence officials disclosed that one of the fleeing suspects was tracked to a country in Southern America, though his precise location was not revealed for security reasons.
Multiple security agencies are continuing surveillance operations and working across borders to dismantle remaining cells associated with the plot.
Sources said the authorities are awaiting presidential approval before formally announcing a court-martial for the military personnel implicated in the case.
Recall that it was earlier reported that 16 military officers were initially arrested for their alleged roles. However, following the establishment of the special investigative panel led by General Undiandeye, more suspects were taken into custody.
“At least 25 military officers and personnel are expected to face trial in connection with the coup attempt,” one source familiar with the investigation said.
An unspecified number of civilians are also being detained and investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the State Security Service (SSS) over alleged involvement in funding, logistics and coordination.
A former governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has also been accused of financing the plot and is currently at large.
Investigators alleged that Mr Sylva transferred nearly N1 billion in several tranches to three bank accounts operated by a Bureau De Change operator to bankroll the conspiracy.
Sources said the coup was initially planned for 29 May 2023, coinciding with the presidential inauguration and the transfer of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to Mr Tinubu. The plan was later shelved due to funding shortfalls and logistical challenges.
Investigators found that the plotters revived the plan in 2024 after securing additional funds.
Earlier findings revealed that the suspects had earmarked several top government officials for assassination, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Subsequent investigations showed that the service chiefs and the Commander of the Guards Brigade were also marked as targets.
“There are other people targeted, but those are the key targets,” one source said.
Some officers were reportedly assigned to take control of the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) Complex and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The plot also included plans to detain senior military officers, including the service chiefs. “They did not want to kill them,” one source added.
According to multiple officials, the alleged plan involved carrying out assassinations simultaneously.
“They were waiting for a day when all of them would be in the country,” one official said. “Wherever they were, they would be assassinated.”
Sources said the conspirators relied on informants within the Presidential Villa and around the officials targeted.
“They have people inside the Villa who monitor the movements of these officials,” one source said. “The plan was to kill them at the same time and install a military government.”
On Monday, the Defence Headquarters announced that the investigation had been concluded and submitted to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”
The military said the findings implicated “several officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” adding that such actions were “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
(PREMIUM TIMES)
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