Security Agencies Recover Arms, Vehicles, Cash in Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu

Security Agencies Recover Arms, Vehicles, Cash in Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu

Nigeria’s security agencies have recovered a significant cache of arms, ammunition, vehicles, and cash from serving and retired military officers, as well as civilians, suspected to be involved in an alleged coup plot aimed at overthrowing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The recoveries followed an extensive inter-agency investigation ordered by the federal government and carried out by a special probe panel headed by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye. The panel has since concluded its assignment, uncovering what investigators described as a highly coordinated operation involving surveillance, financing, logistics, and propaganda activities.

Security sources disclosed that arrests were made during a covert intelligence operation jointly coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service (SSS). The investigation reportedly exposed a network that spanned serving officers, retired personnel, and civilian collaborators.

According to investigators, a lieutenant colonel attached to the army’s 130 Battalion was found in possession of two gun trucks, anti-aircraft (AA) guns, PKT machine guns, RPG bombs, AK-47 rifles, large quantities of ammunition, and other tactical equipment.

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 meant to facilitate reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and discreet access to sensitive locations such as airports and other strategic facilities.

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“The vehicles were used to move operatives without attracting attention and to conduct surveillance linked to the plot,” a security source said.

The investigation 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 revealed that one of the fleeing suspects was tracked to a country in South America, though specific details were withheld for security reasons.

Multiple security agencies are continuing surveillance operations, working locally and across borders to dismantle remaining cells associated with the alleged plot.

Sources said authorities are awaiting presidential approval before formally announcing a court-martial for military personnel implicated in the case. Earlier reports indicated that 16 military officers were initially arrested, but following the establishment of the investigative panel, more suspects were taken into custody.

“At least 25 military officers and personnel are expected to face trial in connection with the alleged coup attempt,” a 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 SSS over alleged roles in funding, logistics, and coordination.

Investigators further accused a former governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, of allegedly financing the plot. He is also said to be at large. According to security sources, nearly ₦1 billion was allegedly transferred in multiple tranches to accounts operated by a Bureau De Change operator to bankroll the conspiracy.

Findings revealed that the coup was initially planned for 29 May 2023, coinciding with the presidential inauguration and transition of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu. The plan was reportedly shelved due to funding and logistical challenges before being revived in 2024 after additional funds were secured.

Investigators alleged that the plot included plans to assassinate top government officials, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas. Subsequent investigations indicated that service chiefs and the Commander of the Guards Brigade were also listed as targets.

Security sources said some officers were assigned to seize control of the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces of Nigeria Complex, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The plot also allegedly involved detaining senior military officers, including service chiefs.

On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that the investigation had been concluded and submitted to the appropriate authorities in line with military regulations, noting that the findings implicated several officers in actions deemed inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Security Agencies Recover Arms, Vehicles, Cash in Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu