Fresh Details Reveal How Alleged Coup Plotters Bought 32 SUVs, Gulf Cars For Covert Operations

New details have emerged regarding the alleged coup plot against the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, with investigations indicating that the suspects acquired 32 SUVs and Gulf cars to facilitate their covert activities.

According to Premium Times, security sources with direct knowledge of the investigation revealed that the vehicles were purchased to facilitate discreet movements, intelligence gathering and access to sensitive locations across the country.

The sources said the cars were deployed to airports, major public facilities and strategic locations to enable operatives move around without attracting attention while conducting reconnaissance linked to the foiled plot.

Investigators reportedly recovered documentary evidence of the vehicle purchases, including receipts and transaction trails, which now form part of the case file against the suspects.

One source said the records clearly showed how the vehicles and other logistics were financed and distributed among members of the network.

“The vehicles were procured deliberately to blend in with regular traffic and avoid suspicion while carrying out surveillance and coordination,” the source said.

Security sources also disclosed that a retired major general identified as Adamu has been linked to the network.

The retired officer is said to have evaded arrest, while three other suspects remain at large.

One of the fleeing suspects, according to intelligence reports, was tracked to a country in South America, though his precise location has not been disclosed for security reasons.

Multiple security agencies are now working jointly to dismantle remaining cells connected to the alleged plot, with cross-border intelligence coordination and surveillance intensified.

Sources within the defence and security establishment said preparations for prosecution are advancing, with authorities awaiting presidential approval to formally constitute a court-martial panel.

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

In addition, an unspecified number of civilians are currently in custody and under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged roles in financing, logistics and coordination.

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.

In October 2025, reports emerged that 16 military officers were arrested over an alleged plot to overthrow the elected government.

The plotters, reportedly led by Colonel Muhammed Ma’aji, were said to have planned the assassination of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other top government officials.

They were also alleged to have planned the arrest of senior military officers, including Christopher Musa, then Chief of Defence Staff.

The discovery of the plot led to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.

Initially, the Defence Headquarters dismissed reports of a coup attempt, stating that the officers were detained for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations” linked to career stagnation and failed promotion exams.

Following the incident, President Tinubu restructured the service chiefs, retaining Olufemi Oluyede and Emmanuel Undiandeye.

Oluyede was elevated from Chief of Army Staff to Chief of Defence Staff, replacing Musa, while Undiandeye remained Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Later, amid heightened political and diplomatic tensions, Musa was recalled and appointed Minister of Defence, replacing Muhammed Badaru, who resigned on health grounds.

On January 26, the military formally acknowledged that a coup plot had indeed been uncovered, confirming that indicted officers would be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels.