Fresh revelations have emerged regarding the identities and backgrounds of at least 16 Nigerian military officers currently detained over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to credible military sources, fourteen of the detained officers belong to the Nigerian Army, while the remaining two are from the Navy and the Air Force. The arrests reportedly followed a covert investigation into a suspected plan to assassinate senior government figures and seize power.

The group includes a brigadier general, a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains, and one lieutenant. The detained naval and air force personnel reportedly hold the ranks of Lieutenant Commander and Squadron Leader, respectively—both equivalent to the rank of major in the Army.

Sources revealed that twelve of the Army officers serve in the Infantry Corps, the military’s main combat arm. One officer is attached to the Signals Corps, which oversees communications, and another belongs to the Ordnance Corps, responsible for weapons and logistics management.

Most of the suspects are graduates of the 56th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), trained between 2004 and 2008. Six officers—four lieutenant colonels and two majors—were reportedly among the first group arrested. Others are affiliated with the 44th, 47th, 59th, and 60th Regular Courses, as well as the 38th and 43rd Short Service Commission Courses.

The training backgrounds of two officers, along with those of the naval and air force suspects, have not yet been confirmed.

Fifteen of the sixteen detained officers reportedly hail from Nigeria’s North-central, North-east, and North-west regions. The only officer from the South-west is said to be the most junior—holding the rank of lieutenant.

The alleged coup attempt, reportedly foiled in late September, involved plans to target top political figures, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

While the Defence Headquarters has not officially confirmed a coup attempt, it stated that the investigation is part of “routine internal disciplinary measures aimed at upholding professionalism within the ranks.”

Shortly after reports of the foiled plot surfaced, President Tinubu carried out a sweeping overhaul of the military leadership.

General Christopher Musa was replaced by General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff. Major General Waidi Shaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke became Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas assumed command as Chief of Naval Staff.

Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence, was the only senior officer retained in his post. The presidency has not publicly linked these leadership changes to the alleged coup plot.

Security sources indicate that while 16 officers were initially detained, the number of suspects has since increased as the investigation deepens. The arrests were reportedly carried out discreetly—some officers were apprehended at their duty posts, while others were taken from their homes.

In a related development, the military reportedly raided the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa State governor Chief Timipre Sylva, detaining his brother and personal aide.

Sylva’s media adviser, Julius Bokoru, denied any involvement of his principal in the alleged plot, confirming that the former governor was abroad for medical and official reasons at the time of the incident. (ILKHA)