ABUJA – The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially concluded its investigation into a high-stakes conspiracy to overthrow the government, revealing that the alleged plotters successfully infiltrated the Presidential Villa to conduct surveillance on its most sensitive vulnerabilities.
Following the conclusion of the probe, the military high command confirmed on Monday that several officers have “cases to answer” and will face formal arraignment before military judicial panels.
Inside the Breach: Surveillance and Vulnerabilities
New details have emerged regarding how the alleged plotters managed to bypass the formidable security of Aso Rock. According to military and security sources, the breach was not merely external but involved physical infiltration of the presidential complex.
“The coup plotters actually compromised the Villa, entered the Villa, some of them military officers. They have accessed the Villa and its security installations and vulnerabilities,” a security source told The PUNCH.
The investigation has also cast a spotlight on Julius Berger, the construction firm responsible for maintaining the complex. Investigators are currently probing allegations that certain staff members of the company were compromised, potentially acting as “inside men” to provide the plotters with access to restricted areas.
The Military Response
The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, stated that the investigation followed rigorous military procedures. The findings suggest a stark departure from the professional standards expected of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
- The Findings: Officers were identified as having actively plotted to topple the government.
- The Consequence: Indicted personnel will face trial under the Armed Forces Act.
- The Goal: To preserve order, discipline, and the operational integrity of the ranks.
“The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Uba said.President Tinubu Signals Non-Interference
Despite the sensitivity of the case, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly signaled that he will not intervene in the judicial process. Having received the full investigative report, the President has expressed confidence in the military’s ability to handle the matter internally.
A security source noted that the delay in publicizing the arrests, which began with 16 officers in October 2025 was a strategic move to ensure all conspirators were identified.
“The government and the military wanted to ensure thorough investigations were conducted, all loopholes blocked, and those involved trapped before blowing the lid,” the source explained.Key Timeline of Events
Date Event Oct 2025 16 officers arrested for “acts of indiscipline”; Independence Day parade cancelled. Late 2025 Intelligence flags unusual activity around the Presidential Villa; probe begins. Jan 2026 Investigation concluded; DHQ confirms findings of a coup plot. Immediate Next Steps Formal arraignment and trial before military judicial panels. In response to the breach, security agencies are currently conducting a comprehensive review of internal protocols, with a specific focus on the vetting processes for contractors and civilian staff with access to the nation’s seat of power.
