How Alleged Coup Plotters Infiltrated Presidential Villa, Conducted Surveillance - Sources

The Defence Headquarters has announced that military personnel implicated in investigations over alleged misconduct, including an alleged plot to overthrow the government, will face trial before the relevant military judicial panels.

Security and military sources said President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence in the Armed Forces to handle the matter in line with the law.

The development comes amid appeals by a pro-democracy group urging the Federal Government to consider the health and welfare of officers detained in connection with the case.

In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

Shortly after, Sahara Reporters alleged that the officers, ranging from the rank of captain to brigadier general, were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for holding secret meetings to topple the government, linking the alleged plot to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.

At the time, the then Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau (retd.), dismissed the report as an attempt to create tension and distrust, describing the matter as a purely internal disciplinary issue. He said an investigative panel had been constituted and that its findings would be made public.

Providing an update on Monday, the current Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said a comprehensive investigation had now been concluded in accordance with established military procedures, with the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.

According to him, the probe examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel and identified several officers with cases to answer.

“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.

Uba said those indicted would be formally arraigned before relevant military judicial panels in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” he said.

He stressed that the measures were purely disciplinary and part of institutional mechanisms aimed at preserving order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks.

Meanwhile, security and military sources told The PUNCH that the alleged plot involved a breach of security at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to the sources, some of the suspects, identified as serving military officers, allegedly infiltrated the Villa, conducted surveillance, assessed security installations and identified vulnerabilities before the plot was uncovered.

“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 Presidential Villa security source said.

Investigators were also said to be probing the role of Julius Berger, the construction firm responsible for maintaining the villa, following allegations that some staff members of the company were compromised, providing the plotters access to sensitive areas of the presidential complex.

The Presidential Villa, often referred to as Aso Rock, is one of the most secure facilities in the country, guarded by elite military units, intelligence operatives, and private contractors.

In October 2025, intelligence reports reportedly flagged unusual activities around the Villa, prompting closer monitoring by security agencies.

Asked whether President Tinubu would intervene, a security source said the President would not interfere with the military justice process.

“No, the President will not stop the military from acting according to its rules and the law of the country.

“The report is already with the President, confirming there was indeed a planned coup, and the military will carry out its action,” the source said.

The source added that authorities delayed immediate action to ensure thorough investigations, seal security loopholes and identify all those involved.

“The government and the military wanted to ensure thorough investigations were conducted, all loopholes blocked, and those involved trapped before blowing the lid,” he said.

The source added that “The President has expressed full confidence in the military to execute justice according to the law.”

To prevent any further breach, officials explained that the security agencies were reviewing internal protocols, particularly regarding contractors and staff with access to critical areas.