MyNigeria has come across the identity of the military officers detained for plotting a coup to assassinate President Bola Tinubu.

Their plan was reportedly set to hold on October 1, 2025, a day Nigeria celebrates its Independence from colonial rule.

However, the Tinubu administration became aware of the plot and cancelled the usual parade that accompanies Independence Day celebrations at Eagle Square in Abuja.

The officers behind the plot have since been arrested and detained.

Below is their profile.


1. Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq – Born 3 Jan 1974, from Nasarawa State, service number N/10321. Trained as a cadet between 1992-1997. Alleged to be the leader of the coup plot. He has previously been reported detained in Oct 2024 for alleged diversion of rice palliatives and sale of military equipment. He had postings including Commander 3 Brigade Kano and Garrison Commander 81 Division Lagos.

2. Colonel M.A. Ma’aji – Born 1 Mar 1976, from Niger State, service number N/10668. Trained 1995-2000. Army infantry. Promoted to lieutenant colonel in 2013, full colonel in 2017. He commanded 19 Battalion Okitipupa, took part in Operation Crocodile Smile II in 2017 and later led Operation Delta Safe.

3. Lt. Colonel S. Bappah – Born 21 June 1984 in Bauchi State. Service number N/13036. Army Signals Corps officer. Cadet training between 2004-2008.

4. Lt. Colonel A.A. Hayatu – Born 13 Aug 1983, from Kaduna State. Service number N/13038. Infantry Corps, cadet training 2004-08.

5. Lt. Colonel P. Dangnap – Born 1 April 1986, from Plateau State. Infantry officer, cadet training 2004-08. Previously court-martialed in 2015 along with others for offences during the fight against Boko Haram. Service number N/13025.

6. Lt. Colonel M. Al Makura – Born 18 March 1983, from Nasarawa State. Service number N/12983. Infantry, cadet training 2004-08.

7. Major A.J. Ibrahim – Born 12 June 1987, from Gombe State. Service number N/13065. Infantry, member of 56 Regular Course, cadet training 2004-08.

8. Major M.M. Jiddah – Born 9 July 1985, from Katsina State. Service number N/13003. Infantry, cadet training 2004-08.

9. Major M.A. Usman – Born 1 April 1989, from Federal Capital Territory. Service number N/15404. Infantry, cadet training 2008-12 (60th Regular Course).

10. Major D. Yusuf – Born 26 May 1988, from Gombe State. Service number N/14753. Member of Ordnance Corps (weapons/maintenance), cadet training 2007-12 (59th Regular Course).

11. Major I. Dauda – Born 26 Nov 1983, from Jigawa State. Infantry officer, service number N/13625. Joined via Direct Short Service Commission (course 38), cadet training between June 2009 and March 2010.

12. Captain Ibrahim Bello – Born 28 July 1987. Service number N/16266. Member of Direct Short Service Commission Course 43. Little further detail publicly available.

13. Captain A.A. Yusuf – Service number N/16724. Army captain; further service details limited.

14. Lieutenant S.S. Felix – Service number N/18105. Little further public detail.

15. Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi – Navy officer, service number NN/3289. One of the two non-Army officers in detention.

16. Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu – Air Force officer, service number NAF/3481. Rank equivalent to Army major. The second non-Army officer among the 16.