Coup Plotters Infiltrated Presidential Villa

The Nigeria Defence Headquarters has announce that the military personnel indicted after investigations into alleged misconduct, including claims of the Presidential Villa plot to overthrow the government, will be arraigned before the appropriate military judicial panels.

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

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

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

Sources claim Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) arrested captains to brigadier generals soon after.

They held secret meetings to topple the government, tied to canceled October 1 parade.

Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau (retd.), then Director of Defence Information, slammed the report.

He called it a tension-stirring ploy, insisting it was just internal discipline.

An investigative panel was set to constitute its findings.

Investigation Findings Concluded — DHQ

Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, current Director of Defence Information, updated on Monday.

A full investigation followed military procedures; the report went to superior authority.

Uba revealed the comprehensive probe examined all circumstances surrounding the affected personnel’s conduct and identified several officers with cases to answer.

“Uba said findings identified officers alleging to plot overthrowing government.

Clashing with Nigerian Armed Forces’ ethics, core values, and professional standards required of all members.”

Uba: Indicted officers will face formal arraignment before relevant military judicial panels, in line with Armed Forces Act and 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.

Uba stressed measures are purely disciplinary, part of institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks.

Villa security breach claims

Meanwhile, security and military sources said the alleged plot involved a breach of security at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to sources, several of the suspects involved in the alleged plot were identified as serving military officers.

These individuals reportedly managed to infiltrate the Villa, where they conducted surveillance activities.

Assessed the layout of security installations, and systematically identified potential vulnerabilities within the premises.

The plot was eventually uncovered before any action could be taken, raising serious concerns about internal security protocols and the extent of insider involvement.

Authorities are now investigating how the officers gained access and the safeguards that failed to detect their activities sooner.

“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 are reportedly scrutinizing the role of Julius Berger, the prominent construction firm tasked with maintaining the Villa, in connection with the unfolding security breach.

Allegations have surfaced suggesting that some staff members of the company may have been compromised.

Potentially enabling the plotters to gain access to sensitive and restricted areas within the presidential complex.

Authorities are now working to determine the extent of any internal collusion and whether lapses in oversight contributed to the security vulnerabilities.

The investigation aims to uncover how such breaches could occur under the watch of both the company and security agencies, as well as to implement measures to prevent future incidents.

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.

October 2025 Villa Surveillance Intensified

In October 2025, intelligence reports reportedly flagged a series of unusual activities in and around the Villa.

This prompted security agencies to intensify surveillance and monitoring efforts.

When asked if President Tinubu would intervene, a security source confirmed he would not obstruct ongoing military justice process.

“No, the President will not stop military from acting under established rules and national laws,” the source clarified.

“The report is with the President, confirming a coup was planned, and military will proceed with action,” source stated.

The source explained that authorities delayed immediate action in order to conduct thorough investigations.

Close security loopholes, and ensure that all those involved were properly identified.

“The government and military wanted to ensure thorough investigations were completed.

All loopholes sealed, and those involved apprehended before exposing the plot,” he explained.

The source added, “The President expressed full confidence in military’s ability to deliver justice according to law.”

To prevent further breaches, officials said security agencies are reviewing internal protocols.

Especially those involving contractors and staff with access to sensitive areas.