Police Inspector Detained in Alleged Coup Plot Investigation

A serving Nigeria Police Force Inspector has been arrested and is being held by military intelligence over allegations of involvement in a plot to undermine democracy, sources have confirmed.

The officer, identified as Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim from Taraba State, was reportedly taken into custody in Abuja by operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). His arrest brings the total number of security personnel detained in connection with the alleged conspiracy to 36.

According to a military source, Ibrahim’s detention followed information obtained from 35 military officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force who were arrested in October 2025 over suspicions of plotting against the government of President Bola Tinubu.

The case, being overseen by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, marks a significant expansion of the investigation beyond the armed forces.

This development comes amid growing concerns from families of the detained officers about their welfare. Reports indicate that at least five officers have fallen ill in custody, with two allegedly collapsing due to poor conditions in a reportedly dark and poorly ventilated underground military cell in Abuja. Relatives have protested the incommunicado detention, denial of lawyer access, and lack of visitation rights.

The investigation has also taken a political dimension. Last week, operatives raided the Abuja residence of former Minister Timipre Sylva, though he has denied any involvement and called the move politically motivated.

While authorities previously avoided explicit comment on a coup plot, the Defence Headquarters formally acknowledged on Monday that allegations of plotting to overthrow the government are part of the findings against some detainees.

Attempts to reach the Police Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, for comment on Inspector Ibrahim’s arrest were unsuccessful at the time of publication.