Military Officers Detained Over Alleged Coup Plot Reportedly Fall Ill in Custody

Several high-ranking Nigerian military officers arrested over alleged coup-related activities have reportedly fallen ill while in detention, raising concerns about their health and treatment in custody.

According to security sources, at least five of the detainees have become sick, with two said to have collapsed due to deteriorating conditions. The detained group includes a Brigadier-General, a Colonel, four Lieutenant Colonels, five Majors, two Captains, a Lieutenant, a Navy Lieutenant Commander, and a Nigerian Air Force Squadron Leader.

The highest-ranking detainee, Brigadier-General Musa Abubakar Sadiq, has been repeatedly identified in media reports as a key suspect in the alleged plot. An infantry officer from Nasarawa State, Sadiq was previously detained in 2024 over accusations of diverting palliatives and selling military equipment.

Security sources indicate that many of the officers are from the Infantry Corps and were drawn from various formations. Some are reportedly being held not for direct involvement, but for allegedly failing to report prior knowledge of suspicious activities.

Family members have expressed alarm over what they describe as inhumane detention conditions. According to relatives, the officers were moved from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to an underground military cell in Abuja, described as dark and poorly ventilated. They also report being denied access to their detained relatives and say bank accounts have been frozen, leaving families in financial distress.

“We cannot access their accounts, pay school fees, or meet basic needs,” one spouse stated. Several wives said they are planning to protest outside DIA headquarters to demand information and access.

The case has also drawn political attention following the reported raid on the Abuja residence of former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva. Military sources suggested the raid was linked to intelligence connecting Sylva to meetings with some of the detained officers. Sylva has denied any involvement, calling the allegations politically motivated.

In October 2025, former Defence Spokesman Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau said the officers were arrested during a routine exercise and linked their grievances to career stagnation and failed promotion exams. Presidential media aide Sunday Dare has also dismissed coup plot reports as unfounded.

The military has yet to issue an updated statement on the health of the detainees or respond to the families’ allegations.