The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has officially released the names of 16 military officers indicted in an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, confirming earlier denials and raising fresh alarms over national security.
The suspects, primarily from the Army with a few from the Navy and Air Force, face court-martial after a special investigative panel found their actions inconsistent with military ethics.
This development, unfolding since arrests in October 2025, underscores persistent vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The plot, reportedly set for October 25, 2025, involved plans for violent overthrow, targeting the president, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, and service chiefs for elimination.
Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq, believed to be the ringleader from Nasarawa State, had prior controversies including alleged palliative diversion. Disgruntlement over stalled promotions, particularly among northern officers who failed exams, fueled recruitment into the conspiracy.
The Defence Headquarters reversed its initial October 2025 denial following rigorous probes.
Here is the complete list of the 16 suspected coup plotters as released by the Nigerian military:[4]
- Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (Nasarawa, 44th Regular Course)
- Colonel M. A. Ma’aji (Niger, 47th Regular Course)
- Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah (Bauchi, 56th Regular Course)
- Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu (Kaduna, 56th Regular Course)
- Lieutenant Colonel P. Dangnap (Plateau, 56th Regular Course)
- Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura (Nasarawa, 56th Regular Course)
- Major A. J. Ibrahim (Gombe, 56th Regular Course)
- Major M. M. Jiddah (Katsina, 56th Regular Course)
- Major M. A. Usman (Federal Capital Territory, 60th Regular Course)
- Major D. Yusuf (Gombe, 59th Regular Course)
- Major I. Dauda (Jigawa, DSSC 38)
- Captain I. Bello (DSSC 43)
- Captain A. A. Yusuf
- Lieutenant S. S. Felix (DSSC)
- Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi (Nigerian Navy)
- Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu (Nigerian Air Force)
Most suspects hail from northern states, drawn from infantry, signals, and ordnance corps, highlighting potential regional tensions within the ranks. Two additional officers, Major J.M. Ganaks and Captain G. Binuga, remain at large.
The foiled plot exposes cracks in military loyalty, potentially eroding public trust in the armed forces tasked with national defense.
Analysts link it to broader governance challenges like economic hardship and insecurity, which have historically triggered unrest. Swift arrests prevented escalation, but the involvement of mid-to-high-ranking officers signals deeper morale issues.
This incident threatens Nigeria’s sovereignty by challenging civilian rule, evoking memories of past coups that destabilized the nation.
It amplifies calls for vigilance against internal threats amid external pressures like regional insurgencies. The military’s commitment to court-martial ensures accountability, bolstering democratic resilience.
Public reactions mix relief with skepticism, demanding transparency on civilian links and full trials.
The event canceled the 2025 Independence Day parade, symbolizing heightened caution.
For Nigeria, reinforcing institutional checks remains crucial to safeguard stability in Africa’s largest democracy.
The indicted officers will face trial under the Armed Forces Act, with proceedings promising fairness and due process.
This could deter future plots while purging disloyal elements. As investigations wrap up in January 2026, the nation watches closely for justice that upholds security and unity.