Military Investigators Step Up Probe into Alleged Coup Plot
Military investigators have stepped up their probe into an alleged plan to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. They are questioning several suspects, including the Managing Director of a Federal Government agency in the South South region.
YEPS findings show that the investigators are grilling the detained official over a large financial transaction tied to the alleged coup plot that has shaken the nation’s security circles. Two intelligence officers familiar with the matter said the agency head transferred a huge amount of money to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva. Investigators believe that transfer was meant to fund the logistics and coordination of a plan to topple the Tinubu administration by force.
Suspicious Financial Transactions Under Scrutiny
Security operatives have reportedly traced several suspicious bank transfers linking the detained official to political figures already under investigation. “The MD transferred a large amount of money to Sylva,” one senior intelligence officer said. “Investigators are working on the theory that the fund transfer was connected to the coup. He is currently explaining what the money was meant for.”
The revelation has caused tension among security agencies. The government has now increased surveillance on individuals suspected of playing roles in financing or supporting the alleged plot. Investigators have been analyzing financial trails and communication records, while the detained official continues to face lengthy questioning. Some security sources revealed that the funds may have been routed through multiple hidden accounts before reaching political allies suspected of supporting the failed move to destabilize the government.
Timipre Sylva Draws Intense Attention
Timipre Sylva, a former Bayelsa State governor and a major figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress, has become a central focus in the investigation. His Abuja residence was reportedly raided by investigators on Saturday as operatives searched for documents and electronic evidence that might link him to the alleged financial transfers. During the operation, military personnel arrested his younger brother, Paga Sylva, who serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, along with his driver.
The raid lasted for hours. Witnesses said the operatives combed through rooms and offices inside the compound, while neighbors reported that security vehicles were positioned around the building during the operation.
Sylva Cancels Trip Back to Nigeria
Sylva was outside the country when the operation took place. According to reliable intelligence sources, he initially planned to return to Nigeria to address the matter but changed his mind after hearing that several people connected to the alleged coup had been arrested.
A top intelligence source told YEPS that Sylva first wanted to clear his name but decided against returning once the arrests began. The source confirmed that security agents raided his home in Abuja while he was away and detained his brother, Paga, along with his driver. Investigators believe Sylva played a financial role in the alleged coup plan. He was reportedly preparing to return to Nigeria when he heard about the arrests, which made him stay abroad for now.
A Sensitive Operation Unfolds
The ongoing investigation has become one of the most sensitive and secretive security operations in recent Nigerian history. Inside sources described growing divisions in some sections of the military, although the government has tightly controlled information to prevent public panic or unrest.
Efforts to get official comments from Defence Headquarters have not been successful. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, and the Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau, did not respond to calls or messages from YEPS reporters on Tuesday.
Earlier Arrests Explained as Disciplinary Actions
Earlier in October, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau issued a public statement acknowledging the arrest of several officers. He explained that sixteen officers were under investigation for “breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.” According to him, their grievances stemmed mainly from frustration over repeated failures in promotion exams, not from a coup attempt.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” the statement said. “Investigations have shown that their grievances came from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations.”
Conflicting Reports Deepen Suspicion
Despite the Defence Headquarters’ explanation, new reports from independent sources continue to raise concerns. Online platform SaharaReporters claimed that the detained officers — from the ranks of Captain to Brigadier General — were not just facing disciplinary issues but were being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency for plotting to overthrow the government. The platform said the officers were arrested from their homes in different states during coordinated security operations.
“The sixteen officers were planning a coup,” an unnamed official reportedly told SaharaReporters. “The military authorities were being diplomatic with their statement. The officers had been holding secret meetings to discuss how to remove the President and other senior officials.”
Experts Split Over Authenticity of Coup Claims
Security analysts remain divided over whether the reports reflect a real coup plot or exaggerated claims based on internal military grievances. Some experts believe the story may have grown out of dissatisfaction among some officers over promotions and welfare issues. Others, however, argue that the arrests and the financial trails suggest something more serious.
The discovery of large money transfers between public officials and political figures has fueled speculation that a broader political network could be behind the plot. One retired military intelligence officer told YEPS that investigators were tracking how the money moved and where it ended up. “Every coup, no matter how secret, leaves a financial footprint,” he said. “Once investigators find unusual fund movements from government accounts or politically exposed persons, they start connecting the dots.”
Renewed Debate on Loyalty and Military Discipline
The unfolding investigation has also reopened debate about loyalty and discipline within the Nigerian military. In the past, coup attempts in the country often arose from frustration among officers or political interference. However, after over two decades of uninterrupted democracy, the current military leadership insists it remains loyal to the constitution and committed to protecting democracy.
In recent years, intelligence agencies have improved their surveillance systems to detect potential acts of mutiny or illegal mobilization. With the help of advanced technology, they now track communication among military officers and civilians suspected of plotting anti-government activities. Analysts believe the swift response in this latest case shows how proactive the intelligence community has become in safeguarding stability.
Growing Tension in Political Circles
The alleged link to Sylva has sent shockwaves through political circles, especially within the ruling party. Sylva, known for his influence in Bayelsa politics and the oil and gas industry, has not spoken publicly since the raid. His silence has fueled rumors about his location and level of involvement. Sources close to him told YEPS that he remains abroad but has been in contact with his lawyers.
Meanwhile, the detained Managing Director remains under questioning at a secure military facility. Investigators are comparing his statements with financial records to determine if the funds he transferred were used to support the alleged coup network. His arrest followed weeks of secret surveillance by security agencies monitoring his phone calls, movements, and bank activities.
Government Cautious but Firm
The Federal Government has not issued an official statement confirming or denying the alleged coup plot. However, presidency officials told YEPS that the nation’s democracy remains strong and that security agencies are managing the situation carefully. “Nigeria’s democracy is not under threat,” a senior presidential aide said. “The government is aware of the rumors, but we are allowing security agencies to finish their investigations before making any public comments.”
Behind the scenes, senior military leaders continue to hold meetings to assess possible internal threats. Defence Headquarters has also begun reviewing the loyalty of officers in sensitive positions to prevent any future breaches.
Across major cities and military bases, signs of heightened alertness are visible. Commanders have increased security briefings and urged soldiers to stay disciplined and avoid being influenced by politicians or external actors. Some units have also stepped up intelligence checks to prevent misinformation from spreading within the ranks.
Lingering Questions and Public Concern
While Nigerians await clear answers, the situation has rekindled memories of the country’s troubled past with coups and military takeovers. Many citizens hope that the era of forceful regime change is truly over. They view the government’s swift and organized response as proof that democratic institutions have grown stronger.
Still, serious questions remain: Who funded the alleged plot? How strong is the evidence against those arrested? And are more people involved than currently known?
As the investigation unfolds, the detained Managing Director remains in custody, Sylva remains outside the country, and the Tinubu administration continues to monitor the situation closely. For now, the government’s main priority is maintaining stability and ensuring that no group undermines Nigeria’s democratic order.
The coming weeks will show whether these allegations lead to formal charges or quietly fade away. Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: the authorities are treating the situation as a serious threat to national security — one they intend to confront with vigilance and caution.