A former governor from one of Nigeria’s southern states has come under security watch for his alleged involvement in a suspected coup plot reportedly aimed at toppling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Multiple credible sources confirmed that the former governor, who previously held a high-profile role in the oil and gas sector, is being investigated for allegedly providing financial backing to some of the 16 army officers currently detained by military authorities.
The suspected coup plot, according to intelligence sources, was allegedly scheduled to take place on October 25, 2025, before it was foiled by security agencies.
“Yes, it is true that a former governor is under investigation. There are indications of civilian accomplices, but the extent of their involvement is still being verified,” one top security source told Daily Trust on Sunday.
“At least 16 officers are presently in custody while their civilian contacts are under discreet watch,” the source added.
It was further gathered that the detained officers include a Brigadier-General, a Colonel, and several others of lower ranks, some of whom were reportedly attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Findings revealed that the ongoing probe is being coordinated by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) with inputs from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
“The panel is chaired by a Major-General, and the investigation is tightly controlled. The full list of officers being questioned is classified,” another insider disclosed.
Sources hinted that the Brigadier-General in custody hails from Niger State, while the Colonel, reportedly from Nasarawa State, comes from an influential royal family related to former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.
A family member in Lafia, who spoke to Daily Trust under anonymity, confirmed the distress caused by the development.
“He is my uncle. The entire family is worried. His wife has not been herself since the news broke. We only hope and pray he is innocent,” the family source said.
Security operatives have reportedly expanded their net to include more officers and political figures believed to have had suspicious interactions with the detained soldiers.
“Aside from the former governor, there are other influential politicians, both from the North and South, being closely monitored,” a military insider disclosed.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied reports linking the arrest of the 16 officers to a coup attempt.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, the military described the coup reports as “false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension.”
“The DHQ never mentioned any coup attempt. The arrest of the sixteen officers was purely based on professional misconduct and breach of service regulations,” the statement read.
“The decision to cancel activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was solely to allow Mr. President attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and for the Armed Forces to sustain momentum in ongoing operations.”
Brigadier-General Gusau emphasized that the Armed Forces “remain loyal to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” while urging the public to disregard “the falsehood being peddled by enemies of the nation.”
The controversy began after an October 4 press release by the military announced the arrest of 16 officers for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” sparking speculation of a deeper plot.
According to sources, the statement was deliberately toned down on the advice of the Attorney-General of the Federation to avoid panic among citizens and investors.
“It was carefully worded to prevent tension. The President was fully briefed and approved the release after reviewing the preliminary report,” a top government source revealed.
Amid the secrecy surrounding the arrests, many Nigerians have taken to social media demanding that the military reveal the identities of the detained officers and clarify the allegations.
One Facebook user, Adelabi Gbenga, wrote:
“Dear military, kindly tell Nigerians the specific offences these people committed. There is no smoke without fire.”
Another X (Twitter) user, Edidiong Jackson, questioned:
“Breach of service regulations? That’s too vague. Tell us the exact breach. We deserve to know — it’s our taxes paying you.”
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