Names of The 40 Arrested Over Alleged Plot to Overthrow Tinubu Government
The Tinubu government overthrow plot has triggered heightened security alert across Nigeria following the arrest and detention of forty suspects allegedly involved in a coordinated plan to destabilize the current administration. Security agencies confirmed that those detained include senior military officers and civilian collaborators linked to a wide ranging conspiracy that reportedly targeted top government officials and critical national infrastructure toward the end of 2025.
The investigation, which had remained largely classified for months, came into full public view on January 26 2026 when the Defence Headquarters formally acknowledged the arrests. Earlier disclosures in October 2025 had indicated that only sixteen officers were being investigated for internal disciplinary issues. Fresh findings now show that at least twenty five serving military personnel and fifteen civilians are in custody, all held at high security facilities within Abuja ahead of imminent court martial proceedings and civilian trials for treasonable felony.
Security sources say the alleged plot cuts across different arms of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with most of the suspects drawn from the Infantry and Signals Corps. Investigators have identified Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq, an infantry officer and member of the NDA Regular Course 44, as a key figure in the operational planning of the conspiracy. Sadiq had previously faced administrative inquiries, but authorities now believe his role went far deeper.
Other military officers reportedly under detention include Colonel M A Maaji, who allegedly coordinated logistics operations from the North Central region, and Lieutenant Colonel S Bappah, a communications specialist accused of planning disruptions to national communication networks. Majors A J Ibrahim and M M Jiddah are also said to have been involved in tactical planning within the Federal Capital Territory. Civilian suspects include political associates and financiers accused of funding the operation with millions of naira.
Investigators uncovered a sophisticated logistics network that almost escaped detection. Intelligence reports indicate the group acquired thirty two vehicles made up mainly of Volkswagen Golf cars and SUVs. These vehicles were allegedly intended for covert movement across Abuja and sensitive areas such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport without attracting suspicion. Authorities believe the vehicles were also meant to transport light weapons and electronic jamming devices during the execution phase.
Financial records recovered by investigators show that payments for the vehicles were routed through shell accounts allegedly linked to a retired Major General Adamu who has now been declared wanted. Security agencies believe he is currently outside the country and may be hiding in South America. Digital transaction trails and recovered receipts have strengthened the case against the network, according to intelligence officials familiar with the probe.
FULLY WRITTEN-OUT LIST The 40 Arrested Over Alleged Plot to Overthrow Tinubu Government
- MA Sadiq (Brigadier General): Army Headquarters Garrison
- MA Ma’aji (Colonel): Defence Space Administration
- S Bappah (Lieutenant Colonel): 525 Signal Regiment
- AA Hayatu (Lieutenant Colonel): 130 Battalion Main, Ogoja, Cross River State
- P Dangnap (Lieutenant Colonel): 134 Special Forces Battalion
- M Almakura (Lieutenant Colonel): 197 Special Forces Battalion
- AA Jarma (Lieutenant Colonel): Commanding Officer, 35 Battalion, Katsina
- SM Gana (Lieutenant Colonel): 115 Task Force Battalion
- AD Dauda (Major): Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji
- JM Ganaks (Major): Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji
- AJ Ibrahim (Major): Army Headquarters, Department of Policy and Plans
- MM Jiddah (Major): 26 Battalion
- MA Usman (Major): 35 Battalion
- D Yusuf (Major): Forward Operating Base Molai (Army Headquarters Support Group)
- J Iliyasu (Major): 3 Division Garrison
- A Mohammed (Major): 63 Brigade Garrison
- DB Abdullahi (Lieutenant Commander): Naval Base Abuja
- SB Adamu (Squadron Leader): National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC)
- NG Zuzu (Squadron Leader): Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force Camp
- G Binuga (Captain): 1 Nigerian Military Force Brigade
- AA Yusuf (Captain): Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA)
- I Bello (Captain): 82 Division Garrison
- SS Felix (Lieutenant): 81 Division Provost Group
- J Aminu (Lieutenant): Headquarters, Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR)
- 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 (Inspector): 24 Police Mobile Force, Presidential Villa
- EO Victor (Navy Captain, Retired): 3 Abraham Avenue, off Odili Road, Port Harcourt
- Umoru Zekeri: Julius Berger, 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: Villa Ambulance Driver
- ML Mohammed (Captain): 18 Battalion
- UI Yusuf (Wing Commander): International/Helicopter Flying School, Enugu
- IM Gana (Major General, Retired): No. 34A Army Estate, Kubwa, Abuja
- Stanley Kingsley Amandi: Propagandist
- Goni Bukar
The Presidency has described the situation as deeply concerning while emphasizing that the integrity of Nigeria’s armed forces remains intact. Minister of Defence Christopher Musa reassured the public that the actions of a few do not reflect the professionalism of the military as an institution. He confirmed that suspects will face prosecution under both military and civilian legal frameworks.
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Serving officers will be tried under the Armed Forces Act for mutiny and conduct unbecoming, while civilians and retired officers are expected to face charges at the Federal High Court for treasonable felony and terrorism financing. Meanwhile border surveillance has been intensified nationwide as security agencies continue the search for three high value suspects believed to have fled the country.
Government officials say the decision to publicly confirm the arrests is part of a broader transparency strategy aimed at reassuring citizens and international partners that Nigeria remains stable and firmly under constitutional order.