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Names, Profiles of 16 Nigerian Military Officers Detained for Alleged Coup Plot
The Nigerian military has detained 42 officers, including 16 senior personnel, over an alleged plot to assassinate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, according to ongoing investigations by security agencies.
A report from Premium Times says that while the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has downplayed reports of a coup plot attributing the detentions to “internal disciplinary procedures” multiple sources indicate that the arrests are connected to what is being described as a foiled plot uncovered in early October 2025.
Investigators reportedly traced suspicious communications, movements, and funding links allegedly tied to the group, with some leads linked to former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, whose Abuja home was recently raided by security operatives.
Scope of the Investigation
According to defence sources, 14 of the 16 top suspects are from the Nigerian Army, while one is from the Nigerian Navy and another from the Nigerian Air Force.
Most of the detained officers are drawn from the Infantry Corps, the army’s combat division, alongside a few from the Signals and Ordnance Corps.
The officers are currently being held at various military detention facilities in Abuja as investigations continue into what authorities describe as “subversive activities inconsistent with military ethics.”
Profiles of the Detained Officers
Below are details of the 16 identified officers allegedly linked to the foiled coup plot:
- Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq
Service Number: N/10321
Date of Birth: January 3, 1974
Origin: Nasarawa State
Background: Trained at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) from 1992–1997, Course 44.
Profile: Believed to be the lead figure in the alleged plot. Previously detained in 2024 for misconduct involving diversion of palliatives and sale of military equipment.
Former Positions: Commander, 3rd Brigade (Kano); Garrison Commander, 81 Division (Lagos).
- Colonel M.A. Ma’aji
Service Number: N/10668
Date of Birth: March 1, 1976
Origin: Niger State (Nupe ethnic group)
Profile: Senior infantry officer suspected of acting as chief strategist of the network.
Former Role: Commanding Officer, 19 Battalion, Okitipupa, Ondo State. Participated in Operation Crocodile Smile II (2017).
- Lt. Colonel S. Bappah
Service Number: N/13036
Date of Birth: June 21, 1984
Origin: Bauchi State
Corps: Signals
Training: NDA Regular Course 56 (2004–2008).
- Lt. Colonel A.A. Hayatu
Service Number: N/13038
Date of Birth: August 13, 1983
Origin: Kaduna State
Corps: Infantry
Training: NDA Regular Course 56.
- Lt. Colonel P. Dangnap
Service Number: N/13025
Date of Birth: April 1, 1986
Origin: Plateau State
Background: Court-martialed in 2015 during operations against Boko Haram.
Corps: Infantry
Training: NDA Regular Course 56.
- Lt. Colonel M. Almakura
Service Number: N/12983
Date of Birth: March 18, 1983
Origin: Nasarawa State
Corps: Infantry
Training: NDA Regular Course 56.
- Major A.J. Ibrahim
Service Number: N/13065
Date of Birth: June 12, 1987
Origin: Gombe State
Corps: Infantry
Training: NDA Regular Course 56; became Captain in 2013.
- Major M.M. Jiddah
Service Number: N/13003
Date of Birth: July 9, 1985
Origin: Katsina State
Corps: Infantry
Training: NDA Regular Course 56.
- Major M.A. Usman
Service Number: N/15404
Date of Birth: April 1, 1989
Origin: Federal Capital Territory
Corps: Infantry
Training: NDA Regular Course 60 (2008–2012).
- Major D. Yusuf
Service Number: N/14753
Date of Birth: May 26, 1988
Origin: Gombe State
Corps: Ordnance
Training: NDA Regular Course 59 (2007–2012).
- Major I. Dauda
Service Number: N/13625
Date of Birth: November 26, 1983
Origin: Jigawa State
Corps: Infantry
Training: Short Service Commission Course 38 (2009–2010).
- Captain Ibrahim Bello
Service Number: N/16266
Date of Birth: July 28, 1987
Training: Direct Short Service Course 43.
- Captain A.A. Yusuf
Service Number: N/16724
Corps: Infantry
- Lieutenant S.S. Felix
Service Number: N/18105
Corps: Infantry
- Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi
Service Number: NN/3289
Branch: Nigerian Navy
Rank Equivalent: Major
- Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu
Service Number: NAF/3481
Branch: Nigerian Air Force
Rank Equivalent: Major
Government and Military Reactions
So far, the Nigerian government and the Defence Headquarters have not publicly confirmed the alleged assassination or coup plot.
However, insiders suggest that the arrests contributed to the low-key Independence Day celebrations on October 1, 2025, amid fears of potential security breaches within the ranks.
Officials insist that the detentions are part of an internal disciplinary process, though no official charges have yet been filed.
Coup Anxiety Amid Military Reshuffles
The arrests come weeks after President Tinubu announced a major reshuffle of the Armed Forces, appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff and several new Service Chiefs moves seen as efforts to strengthen loyalty within the military hierarchy.
The latest detentions have stirred concerns of instability and internal dissent, reminiscent of Nigeria’s historical struggles with military intervention in politics.
As investigations continue, the fate of the detained officers remains uncertain. Security analysts suggest that transparency in the process will be critical to maintaining public trust and preventing speculation about discontent within the armed forces.
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