Plot to Overthrow Tinubu: Police Recover Guns, Vehicles from Coup Plotters

A high-level inter-agency investigation led by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, has exposed the full extent of a plot to topple the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The probe, which has now been concluded, led to the recovery of a significant arsenal of weapons, a fleet of vehicles, and substantial sums of cash. Security sources revealed that the conspiracy was a carefully coordinated effort involving reconnaissance, funding, and logistics, orchestrated by a network of both serving and retired military officers, as well as civilian accomplices.

Among the items seized by investigators were two gun trucks, anti-aircraft (AA) guns, PKT machine guns, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, and AK-47 rifles. The armory, described as being "configured for rapid deployment," was reportedly traced to a Lieutenant Colonel attached to the Nigerian Army's 130 Battalion. In addition to the heavy weaponry, the plotters had procured a fleet of vehicles intended for covert operations. These included four Toyota Hilux trucks, one Toyota Prado SUV, two Toyota saloon cars, and 32 Volkswagen Golf vehicles, which were allegedly used to monitor sensitive locations, including airports and strategic facilities in Abuja, without attracting attention.

The investigation has also identified key figures allegedly behind the plot. A retired Major General, identified simply as Adamu, remains at large, along with three other suspects. One fleeing suspect has reportedly been tracked to a South American country. Furthermore, a former governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has been accused of bankrolling the operation. Investigators allege that Sylva transferred nearly ₦1 billion through a Bureau De Change to fund the conspiracy. Efforts to reach him for comments were unsuccessful at the time of the report.

Authorities are currently awaiting presidential approval to commence court-martial proceedings for the military personnel involved. While 16 officers were initially arrested, the number of those expected to face trial has risen to at least 25. The plot, which reportedly targeted top officials including President Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and the Service Chiefs for assassination or detention, was initially scheduled for the May 29 inauguration but was delayed due to logistical gaps. With the probe now complete, prosecutions are expected to follow in the coming weeks.