Nigerian Army Colonel Allegedly Orchestrates Foiled Coup Against President Tinubu

An interim investigation report exposed a thwarted coup plot against Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, orchestrated by an unnamed army colonel. The report unveiled a covert network of military officers mobilizing personnel across the Nigerian armed forces to surveil critical national installations, including the Presidential Villa and major military barracks.

The investigation, triggered by repeated exam failures and disaffection among the officers, revealed a detailed plan involving reconnaissance and strategic location assessments. The arrested officers, ranging from captains to brigadier generals, were allegedly involved in indiscipline and breaching service regulations.

The report identified financial inducements of $2 million to $5 million paid to key actors, with Lt Col S. Bappah playing a critical role in fund flows and recruitment strategies.

The investigation also implicated civilian contacts, including a former minister, and a construction firm, Julius Berger, in obtaining security information. The case is set to be tried before a military judicial panel.