Investigators in Nigeria have recovered a significant cache of weapons and military equipment linked to suspected plotters of an attempted coup against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The seized items, traced primarily to a serving lieutenant colonel in the Nigerian Army’s 130 Battalion, included two gun trucks, anti-aircraft guns, PKT machine guns, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, AK-47 rifles, substantial quantities of ammunition, and various tactical gear.
These discoveries emerged from a thorough inter-agency probe that uncovered evidence of preparations for overthrowing the government.In addition to the arms, authorities confiscated a large number of vehicles allegedly acquired to support covert activities.
The fleet comprised four Toyota Hilux pickup trucks, one Toyota Prado SUV, two Toyota saloon cars, and as many as 32 Volkswagen Golf vehicles.
According to reports, these ordinary-looking vehicles were intended to facilitate discreet transportation of operatives, enable intelligence gathering, and allow access to restricted or sensitive locations—such as airports—without arousing suspicion during reconnaissance efforts tied to the alleged conspiracy.
The plot reportedly originated with plans to disrupt the May 29, 2023, presidential inauguration but was postponed due to insufficient funding and logistical shortcomings. It was later revived in 2025 following additional financial support.
The scheme involved informants within key government sites, including the Presidential Villa, to monitor officials’ movements, with intentions to target prominent political figures for assassination and establish military rule.
The investigation highlighted elements of reconnaissance, resource mobilization, and propaganda dissemination as part of the elaborate plan.
The probe, overseen by Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence, has now concluded, identifying multiple serving military officers whose conduct was deemed contrary to the armed forces’ values and standards.
Around 25 military personnel are anticipated to face court-martial proceedings, pending presidential approval, while some civilians implicated in financing and logistical support remain in custody.
A former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, stands accused of providing nearly N1 billion in funding and is currently at large, alongside a retired major general named Adamu and a few other suspects.
