The Nigerian military has reportedly made further arrests in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as investigations into the suspected conspiracy continue.
Among those said to have been detained is Major H. Yusuf of the Nigerian Army, who recently completed the Senior Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. He is reportedly being held alongside other individuals linked to what authorities have described as a coup plot.
Although investigations are said to have commenced in 2025, no formal court proceedings have begun, and details of the alleged conspiracy have not been publicly disclosed.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa (retd.), recently claimed he was among senior officials allegedly marked as targets by the suspected plotters.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Musa stated that he was to be arrested and shot if he resisted.
“I was also a target. I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was supposed to be shot,” he said.
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His remarks followed confirmation by the Armed Forces that some of the 16 officers arrested in October 2025 would face prosecution for allegedly attempting to undermine the government.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said investigations uncovered actions by certain officers that contravened the ethical and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He added that those found culpable would be arraigned before a military judicial panel in line with the Armed Forces Act and relevant service regulations.
Reports indicate that the alleged conspiracy may have extended beyond military personnel, with claims that some high-ranking government officials were identified as potential targets. However, authorities have not released official confirmation of these details.
Speculation has also linked the alleged plot to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade, though no formal connection has been established by officials.
The latest arrests follow earlier operations in October 2025, when military intelligence operatives detained several officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force after weeks of surveillance.
Sources suggest that at least 35 military personnel, including senior officers such as a Brigadier General, Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, Majors and non-commissioned officers, are currently in custody over the alleged plot.
Additionally, a police officer, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim from Taraba State, was reportedly arrested in Abuja by operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency.
Meanwhile, family members of some of the detained officers have raised concerns about the duration of their detention and limited access to legal representation and relatives. The military has yet to officially respond to those claims.
