Military intelligence has traced over N11 billion to the bank accounts of a detained Nigerian Army Colonel, allegedly linked to a coup plot involving senior officers, top security sources have confirmed.
The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) reportedly uncovered the funds during an ongoing investigation into a suspected plan to overthrow the government, which began in August 2024.
According to sources familiar with the probe, the Colonel, who previously served in the Niger Delta and worked directly under a Brigadier General also under investigation, claimed the money belonged to a former governor and was intended for a legitimate business transaction.
Security operatives disclosed that the suspects had mapped out three potential dates for the coup, including June 12 and October 1, and held meetings in the United Kingdom and Turkey. Intelligence gathered led to a review of presidential movements, with President Bola Tinubu spending more time in Lagos amid heightened security concerns.
“The Independence Day celebration was cancelled due to credible intelligence suggesting an imminent threat,” a source said.
On Friday, President Tinubu dismissed all service chiefs, including Gen. Christopher Musa, the former Chief of Defence Staff.
The move followed a controversial public disclosure by the Defence Headquarters confirming the arrest of 16 officers, which was described as a “management error.”
Sources said the mass dismissal was intended to mask disciplinary action and avoid speculation that Musa was solely being punished.
Although the Defence Headquarters denied any coup attempt, ongoing DIA operations and recent arrests — including a raid on the Abuja residence of former governor Timipre Sylva — suggest otherwise.
Reports indicate that 15 of the detained officers hail from northern states, prompting concerns over ethnic tensions within the military. Authorities have reportedly withheld regional identities to prevent political and ethnic misinterpretations.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has announced the redeployment of 25 senior officers to key command and staff positions.
The restructuring, led by Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, aims to enhance operational efficiency and address current security challenges
