EXCLUSIVE: Coup plotters allegedly bought 32 vehicles for covert operations

Persons accused of plotting a coup against the Bola Tinubu administration allegedly purchased 32 Gulf and SUV vehicles to support their covert activities, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.

Security sources with direct knowledge of the investigation said military investigators uncovered evidence linking the suspects to the purchase of the vehicles.

According to the sources, the vehicles were procured to disguise movements, gather intelligence, and gain discreet access to sensitive locations, including airports and other public facilities in strategic areas. The cars were reportedly used to move operatives without attracting attention and to conduct reconnaissance connected to the plot.

One source said investigators recovered documentary evidence, including receipts and transaction trails, which now form part of the case being compiled against the suspects. The records reportedly show how the vehicles and other logistics were financed and distributed among operatives.

Investigations have also identified a retired major general, Adamu, as one of the key figures linked to the network. He is said to have escaped arrest, while three other suspects remain on the run. Intelligence sources disclosed that one of the fleeing suspects was tracked to a South American country, although his exact location has not been officially disclosed for security reasons.

Multiple security agencies are working together to dismantle remaining cells connected to the plot, with surveillance and cross border intelligence coordination ongoing.

Preparations for prosecution are also advancing. Sources within the defence and security establishment said authorities are awaiting presidential approval to constitute a court martial panel to try the soldiers involved.

“At least 25 military officers and personnel are expected to face trial in connection with the coup attempt,” one source said.

In addition, an unspecified number of civilians are in custody and are being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the State Security Services over alleged roles in financing, logistics, and coordination. Security officials said further arrests are likely as investigations continue, with more revelations expected on the structure, funding channels, and operational planning behind the failed plot.

Background

In October last year, PREMIUM TIMES reported that 16 military officers were arrested for plotting a coup to overthrow the elected government.

The plotters, led by Colonel Muhammed Ma’aji, allegedly planned to assassinate President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other top government officials. They also planned to arrest senior military officers, including Christopher Musa, who was then Chief of Defence Staff and is now Minister of Defence.

The plot, uncovered in late September 2025, led to the cancellation of the Independence Day parade. At the time, military authorities declined to confirm the coup plot, stating that the officers were arrested for indiscipline and breach of service regulations.

In a statement issued on 4 October, the Defence Headquarters said preliminary findings suggested the officers’ grievances were linked to career stagnation and failure in promotion examinations.

Following the failed coup attempt, President Tinubu sacked the service chiefs, retaining only Olufemi Oluyede and Emmanuel Undiandeye. Mr Oluyede, formerly Chief of Army Staff, was elevated to Chief of Defence Staff, replacing Mr Musa, while Undiandeye remained Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Amid heightened tensions and claims by United States President Donald Trump of a “Christian genocide,” Mr Musa was later recalled and appointed Minister of Defence, replacing Muhammed Badaru, who stepped down on health grounds.

On 26 January, the military finally confirmed the existence of a coup plot and announced that indicted officers would be arraigned in court.