At least 16 Nigerian military officers are currently in detention over an alleged plot to overthrow the government, according to sources. Fourteen are from the Army, one from the Navy, and one from the Air Force. Ranks include a brigadier general, a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains, and one lieutenant, while the naval and air force officers hold equivalent ranks.

Most Army officers are from the Infantry Corps, with a few from the Signals and Ordnance Corps, and many are alumni of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 56 Regular Course (2004–2008). The majority of the officers are from Nigeria’s North-central, North-east, and North-west regions, with only one from the South-west.

The alleged coup plot, reportedly foiled in late September, involved plans to assassinate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Defence Headquarters has described the probe as “routine internal disciplinary measures.”

Following the incident, President Tinubu reorganized the military high command, appointing new Chiefs of Defence Staff, Army, Air, and Naval Staff. Investigations are ongoing, and the number of suspects may rise. Separately, the military raided the residence of former Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva, but his media aide denied any link to the plot.