Full List of 40 Suspects Detained Over Alleged Plot to Overthrow Tinubu Government

Nigerian security agencies have detained 40 individuals, including serving and retired military officers, a police officer and civilians, over an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, investigations by security authorities have revealed

The arrests followed months of intelligence gathering by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), the State Security Service (SSS) and other security bodies. Findings of the investigation were recently submitted to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) for further action According to security sources, the suspects were accused of planning acts aimed at destabilising the country and forcefully removing the elected government. The alleged plot was initially conceived ahead of President Tinubu’s inauguration in May 2023 but reportedly stalled due to funding and logistical challenges before being revived in 2025 Investigators said the suspects played different roles ranging from planning and coordination to logistics, intelligence gathering and propaganda. Some were also accused of mobilising funds and sourcing weapons to support the alleged plot Security operatives reportedly recovered several weapons and military hardware linked to the suspects, including AK-47 rifles, PKT machine guns, RPG launchers, ammunition, gun trucks and vehicles. Authorities also disclosed that key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces Complex and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, were among locations allegedly targeted Sources further claimed that top political leaders, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, were listed as potential targets in the plot Among those detained are serving officers of the Nigerian Army, Air Force and Police, as well as retired officers and civilians. Military authorities have begun internal processes that could lead to court-martial proceedings for personnel found to have cases to answer, while civilians are expected to be prosecuted in regular courts The full list of suspects includes: MA Sadiq, Brigadier General, Army Headquarters Garrison Bello, Captain, 82 Division Garrison SS Felix, Lieutenant, 81 Division Provost Group J. Aminu, Lieutenant, Army Public Relations Nasiru Ibrahim, Warrant Officer, 82 Division Garrison Sanda Usman, Sergeant, 167 Special Forces Battalion Mohammed Zubairu, Sergeant, 177 Guards Battalion Momoh Audu, Corporal, 343 Artillery Regiment Ahmed Ibrahim, Police Inspector, 24 Police Mobile Force EO Victor, Retired Navy Captain Umoru Zekeri, Civilian (Villa electrician) Y. Nasiru, Lance Corporal, 82 Division Garrison Sambo Danladi, Lance Corporal, 82 Division Garrison Abdul Abdullahi, Staff Sergeant, 82 Division Garrison Ali Isah, Civilian (Villa ambulance driver) ML Mohammed, Captain, 18 Battalion UI Yusuf, Wing Commander, International Helicopter Flying School IM Gana, Retired Major General Stanley Kingsley Amandi, Civilian (alleged propagandist) Security sources said other suspects on the list include additional serving and retired military personnel and civilians whose roles are still under investigation The Defence Headquarters has assured Nigerians that the situation is under control, stressing that the arrests demonstrate the military’s commitment to protecting constitutional democracy and national stability.