A major security shakeup is underway in Nigeria as authorities have confirmed the arrest of retired Army General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, his son Lieutenant Colonel Sadiq Ibrahim-Gana, and several other military officers and civilians in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.
The high-profile detentions have sent shockwaves through both the military establishment and the wider public, raising concerns about due process and the state of internal security.
Arrest of a Retired General and his Son
Security operatives reportedly detained General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, prominent Niger native and Danmagayaki of Nupe, about a week after his son, Lt. Col.
Sadiq Ibrahim-Gana, ex-115 Battalion commander, was detained by military intelligence; sources confirm he’s among 35 officers held for coup plot.
Elder Gana implicated in probe through longstanding ties with Colonel Alhassan Ma’aji, identified by investigators as mastermind of foiled coup.
Military sources told SaharaReporters, “Authorities arrested retired Army General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana.”
Reports say he helped alleged coup mastermind Colonel Alhassan Ma’aji gain Nigerian Defence Academy admission in August 1995.
Authorities found no direct involvement by General Gana, yet lingering suspicion suggests he may have known about the unfolding coup conspiracy.
Similarly, Lt. Col. Sadiq Ibrahim-Gana’s arrest came despite his active deployment in anti-insurgency operations in the North-East.
“Nothing was traced to him as well, as he was busy fighting Boko Haram in Borno, but they still believed he had a link with the coup plotters,” one source said.
Civilians Drawn into the Crackdown
The scope of the crackdown has expanded far beyond military ranks.
Sources say the investigation swept up several civilians, including mechanics accused of repairing plotters’ vehicles.
“We even have mechanics picked up for allegedly repairing some vehicles.
Authorities also arrested a Julius Berger staff. “Many innocent people who know nothing about the issue sit in detention,” the source alleged.
Source reports Defence Intelligence Agency arrested Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Taraba policeman, in Abuja over coup allegations.
The sweep of arrests raises alarms about the investigation’s breadth and the risk of ensnaring innocent individuals.
Detentions Spark Concern and Allegations of Mistreatment
The mass detentions have fueled anxiety among families of the suspects.
Reports indicate that at least five detained officers have fallen ill, with two collapsing while in custody.
Insiders allege detainees were held in a dark, poorly ventilated underground facility, increasing health and safety fears.
Conflicting Official Narratives
When news of the arrests first broke in October 2025, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) denied any knowledge of a coup plot, dismissing reports as unfounded.
However, in a major turnaround, the DHQ has formally admitted that investigations revealed credible allegations of a government overthrow plot.
Authorities state they will arraign officers with cases before military judicial panels.
Activists call for transparency, fair trials, and humane treatment, especially for potentially wrongly implicated detainees.
A Nation on Edge
The alleged coup plot and ensuing crackdown come at a sensitive time for Nigeria.
As the Tinubu administration navigates economic challenges, political opposition, and security threats from insurgent groups.
The arrests of high-ranking officers and civilians alike underscore the government’s determination to root out perceived threats.
But they also highlight the delicate balance between state security and the rule of law.
Military prepares judicial panels for suspects as nation watches, hoping justice prevails while upholding rights and ensuring democratic accountability.
The episode highlights governance challenges in Nigeria, where stability and accountability clash, exposing ongoing tensions and risks.
