KEY POINTS

• Fifteen more officers detained over alleged coup plot.
• Investigators trace funds to former governor and minister.
• Military says arrests linked to indiscipline and service violations.

Nigeria’s military has arrested an additional 15 officers across various ranks over an alleged coup plot against the Federal Government, bringing the total number of detained personnel to over 40, according to security sources.

Sources revealed that the new arrests followed revelations made during interrogation of the initial 16 officers taken into custody earlier this month.

The detained officers reportedly revealed the roles the newly arrested personnel were meant to play in what investigators now describe as a “grand plot.”

Security agencies are analysing the suspects’ communication exchanges and may make more arrests as the investigation deepens.

Funds linked to former governor, minister traced

Insiders said investigators have traced a substantial sum of money to the suspected network behind the alleged plot.

Collaboration among the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other agencies reportedly linked the funds to a former governor and ex-minister of state.

Investigators said the detained officers have been cooperating, providing details of their recruitment channels and planned operations.

The first group of 16 detained officers drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force includes one brigadier general, one colonel, and several lieutenant colonels and majors. Most are from the Infantry, Signals, and Ordnance Corps, according to security briefings.

Military insists arrests tied to indiscipline

While the Defence Headquarters has yet to officially comment on the latest arrests, insiders said the military is keeping the issue under wraps until investigations conclude.

Three weeks ago, Defence spokesperson Brigadier General Tukur Gusau confirmed the initial detentions, describing them as cases of “acts of indiscipline” and violations of service regulations rather than a coup attempt.

He explained that some officers had been under jurisdiction for prior offenses, including career grievances and repeated failures in promotion exams.

“The Armed Forces will not tolerate any conduct that undermines institutional integrity or threatens constitutional order,” Gusau stated, reaffirming the military’s commitment to professionalism and loyalty under democratic authority.