Foiled October Coup: Details of 16 Detained Officers Revealed

The latest information on the October 1, 2025, foiled coup attempt in Nigeria reveals fresh details about the 16 military officers detained in connection with the plot. The officers include 14 from the Nigerian Army, one from the Navy, and one from the Air Force, with ranks ranging from brigadier general to lieutenant. The Army officers largely hail from the Infantry Corps, with some from the Signals and Ordnance Corps, and many are graduates of the 56th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy. The majority of detainees are from the northern geopolitical zones, except one from the South West.

Sources indicate the conspirators planned to assassinate key leaders including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Despite initial denials by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and Presidency, the military has confirmed ongoing investigations. Following this event, President Tinubu made high-profile changes in the military leadership, appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff and Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, among others.

The detained officers include:

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• Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq, suspected coup leader, previously detained in 2024 for corruption allegations.
• Colonel M.A. Ma’aji from Niger State.
• Lieutenant Colonels S. Bappah (Bauchi), A.A. Hayatu (Kaduna), P. Dangnap (Plateau, previously court-martialed), M. Almakura (Nasarawa).
• Majors A.J. Ibrahim (Gombe), M.M. Jiddah (Katsina, Infantry, 56 Regular Course), M.A. Usman (FCT), D. Yusuf (Gombe, Ordnance Corps), I. Dauda (Jigawa, Direct Short Service Commission).
• Captains Ibrahim Bello and A.A. Yusuf.
• Lieutenant S.S. Felix.
• Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi (Navy).
• Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu (Air Force).

The number of detained officers reportedly has increased beyond 16. A raid on the Abuja home of former Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva resulted in his brother’s arrest, though Sylva denies involvement.

This foiled coup plot is considered one of Nigeria’s most dangerous in recent history, with investigators uncovering a highly coordinated and violent scheme involving mass elimination plans. The Defence Headquarters commended for thwarting the threat, while highlighting the need to address underlying grievances within the military to prevent further unrest. The new military leadership is tasked with restoring security and discipline.