Manny Ita
An inter-agency probe panel, led by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, has concluded its investigation into a failed coup attempt targeting President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Exclusive findings obtained by PREMIUM TIMES reveal that the plot involved an elaborate network of military officers and civilians engaged in reconnaissance, funding, and propaganda operations. During the operation, investigators recovered a significant cache of weaponry from a lieutenant colonel attached to the army’s 130 Battalion, including two gun trucks, anti-aircraft guns, PKT guns, RPG bombs, AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and tactical gear.
In addition to the arms, security forces seized a fleet of vehicles allegedly procured for covert movements, comprising four Toyota Hilux trucks, one Toyota Prado SUV, two Toyota saloon cars, and 32 Volkswagen Golf vehicles. According to an intelligence source, “The cars were used to move operatives around without attracting attention and to conduct reconnaissance activities linked to the plot,” including gaining discreet access to strategic facilities such as airports. The investigation further identified retired Major General Adamu as a key figure in the network; he remains at large alongside three other suspects, one of whom has been tracked to South America.
The probe also implicated former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who is accused of bankrolling the conspiracy. Investigators allege that Mr. Sylva transferred nearly N1 billion in multiple tranches through a Bureau De Change operator to fund the plotters. Sources indicate the coup was originally planned for 29 May 2023, during the presidential inauguration, but was suspended due to “insufficient funds and inadequate logistical arrangements.” The conspirators reportedly reactivated their plans in 2024 after securing further financing.
The investigation detailed a chilling list of targets for assassination, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The plot also extended to service chiefs and the Commander of the Guards Brigade. “There are other people targeted, but those are the key targets,” a source confirmed, adding that the conspirators intended to eliminate political leaders simultaneously when all were present in the country. “They have people inside the Villa who monitor the movements of these officials. The plan was to kill them at the same time and install a military government,” the official stated.
While the plotters intended to assassinate political figures, the plan for senior military officers was to detain them rather than kill them, according to sources. The Defence Headquarters has since announced that the final investigative report has been transmitted to the appropriate superior authorities. The findings have identified several officers whose conduct was described by the military as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.” Currently, at least 25 military personnel are expected to face a court-martial pending presidential approval, while an unspecified number of civilians remain in the custody of the EFCC and SSS for their alleged roles in logistics and financing.
