By Ireti Asemota.
Military intelligence has discovered around N11 billion in the bank accounts of a colonel recently detained in connection with an alleged coup plot involving senior military officers.
Security sources revealed that the funds tie the officer to the alleged scheme. The colonel, who served under a brigadier general now also under investigation, had previously been deployed to the Niger Delta.
“When questioned, the colonel claimed the money belonged to a former governor, whom he described as a business partner, insisting it was for legitimate business purposes,” a source familiar with the investigation said.
The investigation is part of a broader probe that began after intelligence reports in August 2024 indicated that some serving military officers were allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) had been tracking communications, financial activity, and international contacts linked to the suspects months before any arrests.
“The alleged plotters were monitored since August 2024. They had identified three possible dates for action, including June 12 (Democracy Day) and October 1 (Independence Day),” a source explained. “Meetings were held in the UK and Turkey, but the DIA gathered evidence patiently before taking action.”
Presidential Security and DIA Response
Intelligence gathered reportedly prompted adjustments to President Bola Tinubu’s schedule, with his frequent presence in Lagos and limited time in Abuja influenced by security considerations.
“There was credible intelligence of a potential coup on October 1, which led to the cancellation of Independence Day events,” a source said. “The operation had been under surveillance for over a year, but the military stayed ahead thanks to access to communications.”
Last Friday, President Tinubu dismissed all service chiefs, citing the need for restructuring amid the probe. The removal of former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, followed a public announcement confirming the arrest of 16 officers—an action insiders described as a “management oversight.”
“Details about the arrests should not have been made public. The disclosure risked giving the plot undue attention and could have been misinterpreted internationally. Musa’s mistake prompted the replacement of all service chiefs,” a source added.
The simultaneous dismissal of all chiefs was reportedly intended to obscure the disciplinary focus and prevent speculation that only Musa was being punished.
Although the Defence Headquarters denies any coup attempt, ongoing DIA operations suggest otherwise.
Further Arrests and Regional Concerns
Recent reports indicate that 16 military officers were initially detained in connection with the alleged plot. Subsequent arrests, including a raid on the Abuja residence of former governor and ex-Minister Timipre Sylva, are linked to the same investigation.
Sources say 15 of the detained officers are from northern states, including Nasarawa, Niger, Bauchi, Kaduna, Plateau, Gombe, Katsina, Jigawa, and the FCT. Authorities have limited public disclosure of their regional origins to avoid political tension and perceptions of targeted action.
Military Restructuring Amid Investigation
In the meantime, the Nigerian Air Force has approved the redeployment of senior officers to key positions to strengthen operational efficiency under the new Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke. Nineteen officers received new appointments, and six others were posted to various defence and inter-service commands.
According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations, the restructuring aims to improve decision-making, enhance coordination, and boost readiness in response to security challenges. The Air Force reshuffle follows a similar reorganisation of senior Nigerian Army commanders announced a day earlier.
