Fresh details have emerged on weapons, vehicles and funds recovered from military officers and civilians accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration last year.
An inter-agency investigation panel headed by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, has concluded its probe into the failed coup attempt, uncovering what security officials described as a well-coordinated operation involving surveillance, funding, logistics and propaganda.
Security sources told Premium Times that investigators recovered two gun trucks, anti-aircraft (AA) guns, PKT machine guns, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, AK-47 rifles, large caches of ammunition and tactical equipment from a lieutenant colonel attached to the Nigerian Army’s 130 Battalion.
The probe also led to the seizure of several vehicles, including four Toyota Hilux trucks, a Toyota Prado SUV, two Toyota saloon cars and 32 Volkswagen Golf cars allegedly acquired for covert missions.
According to sources, the vehicles were used to mask movements, gather intelligence and gain discreet access to strategic locations such as airports and other sensitive facilities.
“The vehicles enabled operatives to move around unnoticed and carry out reconnaissance linked to the plot,” a security source said.
Investigators reportedly identified a retired major general, Adamu, as a key figure connected to the network. He is said to be on the run along with three other suspects.
Intelligence sources disclosed that one of the fleeing suspects was traced to a South American country, though his exact location was withheld for security reasons.
Security agencies are said to be working together to dismantle remaining cells linked to the plot, with surveillance and cross-border intelligence efforts ongoing.
Sources also revealed that authorities are awaiting presidential approval to formally set up a court-martial to try implicated military personnel.
Earlier reports indicated that 16 officers were initially arrested, while further investigations by a special panel resulted in additional arrests.
“At least 25 military officers and personnel are expected to be prosecuted in connection with the coup plot,” a source familiar with the investigation said.
Several civilians are also reportedly in custody and are being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the State Security Service (SSS) over alleged involvement in funding, logistics and coordination.
Investigators further alleged that a former Bayelsa State governor and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, financed the plot.
According to sources, nearly ₦1 billion was allegedly transferred in multiple tranches through accounts operated by a Bureau De Change agent to support the scheme.
The coup was initially planned for May 29, 2023—President Tinubu’s inauguration day—but was postponed due to funding and logistical challenges. Investigators said the plot was later revived in 2024 after additional funds were raised.
Earlier findings revealed that the conspirators identified several top government officials as targets, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Further investigations showed that service chiefs and the Commander of the Guards Brigade were also among those marked.
Security sources said some officers were assigned to take over strategic locations such as the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces of Nigeria Complex and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The plotters were also said to have planned the detention of senior military officers, including service chiefs.
Investigators disclosed that the alleged plan involved coordinated actions across different locations, relying on informants within the Presidential Villa to monitor movements of key officials.
“They had insiders tracking movements,” one source said, adding that the ultimate objective was to remove the civilian leadership and install a military government.
On Monday, the Defence Headquarters announced that investigations had been concluded and submitted to the appropriate authorities in line with existing regulations.
The military said the findings pointed to several officers accused of plotting against the government, describing such actions as a violation of the ethics and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The suspects were reportedly arrested through a covert intelligence operation jointly coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service.