Fresh indications have emerged that the military has arrested an additional 15 officers of various ranks over an alleged coup plot against the Federal Government, bringing the total number of detained personnel to more than 40.
Top security sources told Vanguard that the latest arrests followed confessions made during the interrogation of the initial 16 officers earlier taken into custody. The detained officers reportedly revealed the expected roles of the newly arrested personnel in what investigators described as a “grand plot.”
According to the sources, security agencies are currently analysing communication exchanges among the suspects, raising the likelihood of more arrests as the probe widens.
The first batch of detained officers includes a Brigadier General, a Colonel, four Lieutenant Colonels, five Majors, two Army Captains, a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, a Squadron Leader in the Air Force, and an Army Lieutenant. Most of them reportedly belong to the Infantry, Signals, and Ordnance Corps.
Investigators have also traced substantial funds allegedly linked to the plot to a network connected with a former governor who also served as a minister of state. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are said to be collaborating to uncover the financial trail.
Sources added that the detained officers have been cooperating with investigators, providing information about their recruitment process and their assigned roles in the alleged conspiracy.
Although the Defence Headquarters has yet to officially comment on the fresh arrests, military insiders said the matter is being handled discreetly pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
The development follows a Defence Headquarters statement three weeks ago confirming that 16 officers had been detained for “acts of indiscipline” and breaches of service regulations.
The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the move stemmed from a routine internal exercise and reaffirmed that the Armed Forces “will not tolerate any conduct that undermines its integrity or threatens democratic authority.”
