Fresh details have emerged of an alleged plot by suspected coup conspirators to storm the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and capture President Bola Tinubu alongside other top government officials in a coordinated military-style operation.
Findings by Premium Times indicated that the suspected plot went beyond earlier reports of assassination attempts, with investigators uncovering a multi-layered plan to take control of key national assets and cripple Nigeria’s leadership structure.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the alleged conspirators planned to overrun the Presidential Villa, and capture President Tinubu and Vice President, Kashim Shettima.
Also listed as targets were Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Sources who spoke with Premium Times said specific officers were assigned to lead the operation, described as the “decapitation unit,” aimed at neutralising the country’s political leadership.
The alleged plot extended to key security officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and Director-General of the State Security Service, Adeola Ajayi.
Investigators said the operation was designed to dismantle both political and security command structures simultaneously.
A senior security source described the plan as “highly coordinated, with clear command structures, targets, and timelines.”
Further findings revealed that the operation involved multiple units assigned to capture strategic locations across Abuja.
While one team was to storm the Presidential Villa, another was tasked with taking control of the Niger Barracks, a critical military formation overlooking the Villa.
At the barracks, officers were allegedly assigned to eliminate top-ranking military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs.
Other teams were designated to seize the Armed Forces of Nigeria Complex in Garki and secure the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to cut off escape routes and disrupt military coordination.
Named Officers And Assigned Roles
Investigators identified several officers allegedly assigned to carry out specific roles in the operation.
Officers A.A. Hayatu, D. Yusuf, M.A. Usman, Binuga and A.A. Yusuf were reportedly tasked with attacking the Presidential Villa.
Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah was allegedly assigned to eliminate the Chief of Defence Staff, while Lieutenant Colonel P. Dangnap was to target the Chief of Army Staff.
A.A. Dauda was said to be responsible for the Chief of Air Staff, while Major Jiddah was assigned to eliminate the Commander of the Guards Brigade.
Sources said the plan was designed to “paralyse military response and prevent organised resistance.”
The alleged conspiracy reportedly involved about 40 suspects, including senior military officers and civilians assigned support roles.
Among civilians named were Umoru Zekeri, an electrician at the Presidential Villa; Ali Isah, an ambulance driver; and Nollywood actor, Stanley Kingsley Amandi, allegedly recruited for propaganda coordination.
Security agencies were said to have recovered a cache of weapons, including gun trucks, anti-aircraft weapons, RPG bombs, machine guns and large quantities of ammunition.
Several vehicles, including Toyota Hilux trucks and Volkswagen Golf cars, were also seized. A source described the recovery as evidence of “serious intent and preparedness.”
The suspects were reportedly arrested in a covert joint operation involving Army Headquarters and the State Security Service.
While many remain in detention, others, particularly civilians linked to logistics and financing, are being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the SSS.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations had been concluded and findings submitted to higher authorities, describing the alleged actions as a “grave breach of military ethics.”
