As investigations intensify into the alleged foiled coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, new details have emerged about the identities and military backgrounds of 16 top officers currently in detention.
According to multiple security sources cited by PREMIUM TIMES, 14 of the detained officers are from the Nigerian Army, while the remaining two are personnel of the Navy and Air Force.
The detained officers, drawn from various arms of the military, reportedly include a Brigadier General, a Colonel, four Lieutenant Colonels, five Majors, two Captains, and a Lieutenant. The others are a Lieutenant Commander from the Navy and a Squadron Leader from the Air Force — both equivalent in rank to an Army Major.
Security insiders say 12 of the 14 Army officers belong to the Infantry Corps, the combat backbone of the Nigerian Army. One is from the Signals Corps, which manages military communications, and another from the Ordnance Corps, responsible for the storage and maintenance of weapons and logistics.
While the Nigerian government and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) have kept silent on the details of the probe, military sources have confirmed that the officers are undergoing “internal investigation” linked to an alleged plot to destabilize the Tinubu administration.
Profiles of the Detained Officers
1. Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq
Born on January 3, 1974, Brig. Gen. Sadiq (Service No: N/10321), from Nasarawa State, is believed to be the alleged ringleader of the coup. A member of Regular Course 44 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), he trained between August 1992 and September 1997.
Sadiq, an infantry officer, once served as Commander of the 3rd Brigade in Kano and Garrison Commander of the 81 Division in Lagos. He was previously detained in 2024 for alleged diversion of rice palliatives and sale of military equipment.
2. Colonel M. A. Ma’aji
Born March 1, 1976, from Niger State, Ma’aji (Service No: N/10668) is a Nupe officer from the Infantry Corps and a graduate of Regular Course 47 of the NDA. He reportedly served as Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion, Okitipupa, and played a role in Operation Crocodile Smile II in 2017. Sources allege he acted as a “key strategist” in the plot.
3. Lt. Colonel S. Bappah
A Signals officer from Bauchi State, Bappah (Service No: N/13036) was born on June 21, 1984. He trained at the NDA between September 2004 and October 2008 as part of Regular Course 56.
4. Lt. Colonel A. A. Hayatu
From Kaduna State, Hayatu (Service No: N/13038) is an infantry officer born on August 13, 1983, also a member of Regular Course 56.
5. Lt. Colonel P. Dangnap
Born April 1, 1986, from Plateau State, Dangnap (Service No: N/13025) was once court-martialed in 2015 for alleged misconduct during anti-Boko Haram operations.
6. Lt. Colonel M. Almakura
An Infantry Corps officer from Nasarawa State, Almakura (Service No: N/12983) was born March 18, 1983, and is a member of Regular Course 56.
7. Major A. J. Ibrahim
Born June 12, 1987, from Gombe State, Ibrahim (Service No: N/13065) joined the Infantry Corps and rose to the rank of Captain in 2013.
8. Major M. M. Jiddah
A native of Katsina State, Jiddah (Service No: N/13003) was born on July 9, 1985, and trained in Regular Course 56.
9. Major M. A. Usman
Born April 1, 1989, from the FCT, Usman (Service No: N/15404) is a 60th Regular Course infantry officer who trained from August 2008 to September 2012.
10. Major D. Yusuf
A member of the Ordnance Corps from Gombe State, Yusuf (Service No: N/14753) was born May 26, 1988, and trained in the 59th Regular Course.
11. Major I. Dauda
From Jigawa State, Dauda (Service No: N/13625) joined via Short Service Commission Course 38. He was born November 26, 1983, and trained between 2009 and 2010.
12. Captain Ibrahim Bello
Born July 28, 1987, Bello (Service No: N/16266) is part of the Direct Short Service Commission Course 43.
13. Captain A. A. Yusuf
An Army Captain (Service No: N/16724), details of his background remain limited.
14. Lieutenant S. S. Felix
A junior officer (Service No: N/18105), Felix’s role in the alleged plot is yet to be clarified.
15. Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi
From the Nigerian Navy (Service No: NN/3289), Abdullahi holds the naval equivalent of a Major.
16. Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu
An Air Force officer (Service No: NAF/3481), Adamu’s posting details remain classified.
Government Silence and Deepening Mystery
Despite growing public interest, the Defence Headquarters has yet to issue an official statement linking the arrests to a coup attempt. The only response so far has been that the investigation was a “routine internal process to ensure discipline.”
Security sources, however, told PREMIUM TIMES that the alleged plotters had drawn up a “bloody takeover plan” targeting President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The government’s muted reaction — coupled with the secrecy surrounding the detentions — has fueled speculation within diplomatic and security circles, leaving Nigerians anxiously watching how this suspense-filled saga unfolds within the ranks of the armed forces.
