The Nigerian military has reportedly made fresh arrests as investigations continue into an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Among those detained is Major H. Yusuf of the Nigerian Army, a member of the 57 Regular Course who recently completed his Senior Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. He is said to be in custody alongside several other suspects linked to what authorities describe as a coup conspiracy.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa (retd.), stated during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics that he was allegedly among senior officials marked for elimination by the suspected plotters.
“I was also a target. I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was supposed to be shot,” Musa said.
His remarks followed confirmation from the Armed Forces that some of the 16 officers arrested in October 2025 would face prosecution for allegedly attempting to destabilise the government.
In a statement, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said investigations uncovered actions by certain officers that were inconsistent with the ethics and professional standards 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 service regulations.
Reports indicate that at least 35 military personnel including a Brigadier General, Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, Majors, and non-commissioned officers are currently in detention. A police officer, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim from Taraba State, was also reportedly arrested in Abuja by operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency.
Family members of some detained officers have expressed concern over prolonged detention and limited access to legal representation and relatives. Military authorities have yet to publicly respond to those claims.
The allegations come amid a series of coups and attempted military takeovers across parts of West Africa in recent years, raising broader concerns about democratic stability in the region.
Investigations into the alleged plot remain ongoing, and no formal trial has commenced.