Inside foiled coup: How Army Colonel recruited cross-service network

Fresh intelligence has emerged on the failed coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, revealing how a serving Army Colonel allegedly built a covert, cross-service network aimed at undermining Nigeria’s constitutional order before security agencies intervened.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had earlier announced the arrest of 16 officers for acts of indiscipline and violations of service regulations, following weeks of internal tension within the Armed Forces.

Speculation about a possible coup first surfaced in October 2025, when rumours spread across social media.

Although the DHQ dismissed the claims as “false and misleading,” the sudden cancellation of the Independence Day parade at the time heightened public suspicion.

However, findings from an interim investigation report sighted by Punch Newspapers suggest that the alleged plot was masterminded by an Army Colonel who reportedly became embittered after repeatedly failing promotion examinations. Investigators said he allegedly channelled his frustration into recruiting like-minded officers across the Army, Navy and Air Force.

According to the report, the group allegedly assigned members to discreetly study key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, the Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, as well as international airports in Abuja and Lagos.

These reconnaissance efforts reportedly focused on access routes, routines and potential security weaknesses.

Security sources said searches conducted on the officer’s vehicle uncovered charms and anti-government materials, while a raid on his residence in Lokogoma, Apo, allegedly yielded sensitive documents detailing assigned roles and plans for handling top national figures once the operation commenced.

Investigators further alleged that the network exploited insider access by infiltrating the Presidential Villa and compromising workers linked to construction firm Julius Berger to obtain sensitive security information.

Encrypted communication platforms were reportedly used to coordinate activities, logistics and funding, while unusual cash movements and vehicle repairs suggested preparations for mobilisation.

Financial records allegedly revealed inducements ranging from N2 million to N5 million paid to key participants, with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit now analysing the money trail.

One of the suspects, Lt-Col S. Bappah, reportedly became a key witness, providing investigators with details on recruitment strategies, funding channels and communication methods used within the group.

Security officials said the major concern was the plot’s cross-service nature, which reportedly involved officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force, including some up to the rank of Brigadier-General.

The alleged plan, uncovered ahead of its proposed execution date of October 25, 2025, was described as far-reaching, with the President, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, ministers, service chiefs and other senior officials reportedly listed as targets.

Beyond the military, investigators are expanding the probe to identify possible civilian financiers and political contacts connected to the suspects.

Authorities are reviewing communication logs, financial transactions and external links as part of efforts to dismantle the entire network.

With investigations concluded and reports submitted to higher authorities, the Defence Headquarters has confirmed that indicted personnel will face appropriate military judicial processes, as security agencies move to ensure that the alleged plot does not progress beyond the planning stage.