REVEALED: Why an Army Colonel Allegedly Plotted a Coup Against President Tinubu
Fresh intelligence has shed light on the motive behind an alleged coup plot involving a serving Army Colonel against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Security sources disclosed that the senior officer’s actions were allegedly driven by prolonged frustration following repeated failures in mandatory promotion examinations. PulseNets learnt that these professional setbacks deeply affected his morale and weakened his sense of belonging within the Armed Forces.
Over time, investigators believe the officer’s personal disappointment evolved into resentment toward the current government, which he reportedly blamed for his stalled military career. Rather than pursue formal grievance channels, he is accused of quietly mobilising like-minded officers across the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.
According to findings obtained by PulseNets, the group bonded over shared dissatisfaction and gradually transitioned from informal complaints into structured operational planning. Members were allegedly assigned tasks and encouraged to recruit others who felt marginalised within the system.
Security briefings reviewed by PulseNets indicate that the suspects carried out surveillance on critical national assets. These reportedly included the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces Complex, as well as key international airports in Abuja and Lagos. Investigators say the group gathered intelligence on access routes, movement schedules and routine security patterns.
During a stop-and-search operation, operatives reportedly recovered charms and documents described as overtly hostile to the government from the Colonel’s vehicle. A subsequent raid on his Lokogoma residence in Abuja uncovered written materials detailing role allocations among conspirators. Some of the documents allegedly outlined plans for dealing with senior government officials if the plot succeeded.
PulseNets learnt that the group exploited insider privileges to access sensitive security information. Workers linked to construction activities around the Presidential Villa were allegedly compromised, while encrypted messaging platforms were used to evade detection and coordinate plans.
Financial transactions linked to the suspects also raised red flags. Investigators reported that several members received mobilisation funds ranging between ₦2 million and ₦5 million. The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit is now tracking the money trail to identify sponsors and wider financial backers.
One of the principal suspects, Lt-Col S. Bappah, reportedly agreed to cooperate with investigators. He is said to have provided detailed accounts of recruitment strategies, funding channels and internal communication structures used by the group, according to security officials who spoke to PulseNets.
Authorities described the alleged conspiracy as particularly dangerous because it spanned all three branches of the Armed Forces. Officers reportedly involved ranged up to the rank of Brigadier-General, with the operation allegedly scheduled for October 25, 2025.
Investigators further disclosed that President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, key ministers and service chiefs were listed as primary targets. Security agencies moved swiftly, reportedly disrupting the plan before it advanced beyond the preparatory phase.
Beyond military involvement, officials are now examining potential civilian and political connections. Phone logs, financial records and external contacts remain under active review as authorities seek to dismantle every layer of the network and prevent future threats.
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The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that all indicted officers will face military judicial panels, stressing that decisive action is required to safeguard Nigeria’s constitutional order and democratic stability.
Recall that in October 2025, Politics Nigeria reported widespread rumours of a coup attempt circulating across social media platforms. At the time, the Defence Headquarters dismissed the claims as “false and misleading,” even as the abrupt cancellation of the Independence Day parade heightened public anxiety nationwide.
