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How Alleged Coup Plotters Bought 32 SUVs, Gulf Cars For Covert Ops

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Fresh details have emerged on the alleged coup plot against the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, with investigations revealing that the suspects procured 32 sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and Gulf cars to aid their covert operations.

According to Premium Times, security sources with direct knowledge of the investigation revealed that the vehicles were purchased to facilitate discreet movements, intelligence gathering and access to sensitive locations across the country.

The sources said the cars were deployed to airports, major public facilities and strategic locations to enable operatives move around without attracting attention while conducting reconnaissance linked to the foiled plot.

Investigators reportedly recovered documentary evidence of the vehicle purchases, including receipts and transaction trails, which now form part of the case file against the suspects.

One source said the records clearly showed how the vehicles and other logistics were financed and distributed among members of the network.

“The vehicles were procured deliberately to blend in with regular traffic and avoid suspicion while carrying out surveillance and coordination,” the source said.

Security sources also disclosed that a retired major general identified as Adamu has been linked to the network.

The retired officer is said to have evaded arrest, while three other suspects remain at large.

One of the fleeing suspects, according to intelligence reports, was tracked to a country in South America, though his precise location has not been disclosed for security reasons.

Multiple security agencies are now working jointly to dismantle remaining cells connected to the alleged plot, with cross-border intelligence coordination and surveillance intensified.

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Sources within the defence and security establishment said preparations for prosecution are advancing, with authorities awaiting presidential approval to formally constitute a court-martial panel.

“At least 25 military officers and personnel are expected to face trial in connection with the coup attempt,” a security source said.

In addition, an unspecified number of civilians are currently in custody and under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged roles in financing, logistics and coordination.

Officials said further arrests are likely as investigations continue, with more revelations expected on the structure, funding channels and operational planning behind the failed plot.

In October 2025, reports emerged that 16 military officers were arrested over an alleged plot to overthrow the elected government.

The plotters, reportedly led by Colonel Muhammed Ma’aji, were said to have planned the assassination of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other top government officials.

They were also alleged to have planned the arrest of senior military officers, including Christopher Musa, then Chief of Defence Staff.

The discovery of the plot led to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.

Initially, the Defence Headquarters dismissed reports of a coup attempt, stating that the officers were detained for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations” linked to career stagnation and failed promotion exams.

Following the incident, President Tinubu restructured the service chiefs, retaining Olufemi Oluyede and Emmanuel Undiandeye.

Oluyede was elevated from Chief of Army Staff to Chief of Defence Staff, replacing Musa, while Undiandeye remained Chief of Defence Intelligence.

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Later, amid heightened political and diplomatic tensions, Musa was recalled and appointed Minister of Defence, replacing Muhammed Badaru, who resigned on health grounds.

On January 26, the military formally acknowledged that a coup plot had indeed been uncovered, confirming that indicted officers would be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels.

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DSS to arraign El-Rufai Feb 25 over alleged cybercrime, security breach

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The Department of State Services (DSS) will on February 25 arraign former Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on alleged cybercrime and breach of national security

LIB had earlier reported that the DSS on Monday, February 16, filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai following his alleged involvement in wiretapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

According to the court papers, El-Rufai was alleged to have, on Feb. 13, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, “admitted during the interview that he and his cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, Mr Ribadu.”

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

In count two, the ex-governor was alleged to have, on February 13, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, stated during the interview that he knew and related with a certain individual who unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, without reporting the said individual to relevant security agencies.

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Count three alleged that El-Rufai and others still at large, sometime in 2026, in Abuja, did use technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety and national security and instilled reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s phone communications.

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The DSS said the ex-governor by his own comment during the live interview committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 131(2) Nigerian Communications Act 2003.”

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Mob besieges Benin FRSC office

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The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Malam Shehu Mohammed, has praised the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force for their swift and decisive response during the recent attack on the Benin Toll Gate Unit Command Office.

The attack occurred on Thursday at the RS5.12 Benin Toll Gate Unit on the Benin–Lagos Expressway, following a crash involving two trucks, the statement said.

One truck driver died in the accident, while FRSC personnel sustained critical injuries, with one officer later succumbing despite urgent medical attention.

“In the aftermath of the crash, an angry mob besieged and vandalised the Unit Command formation. However, the prompt response by security agencies helped to restore order and prevent further escalation,” Mohammed said in a statement issued on Friday by the FRSC spokesman, Olusegun Ogungbemide, in Abuja.

The Corps Marshal condemned the attack on FRSC personnel and facilities as “deeply regrettable and unacceptable,” emphasising that the operatives were on lawful duty to save lives.

He also commiserated with the families of the deceased driver, the fallen officer, and the entire FRSC workforce.

Mohammed has ordered a comprehensive investigation into both the immediate and underlying causes of the crash and the circumstances that led to the mob action.

He assured the public that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

The FRSC boss reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians and called on the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of its activities.

(NAN)

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FG probes Plateau mine tragedy after 37 deaths

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The Federal Government on Thursday commenced a thorough investigation into the mining tragedy in Zurak community of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, where at least 37 miners were confirmed dead and 25 others hospitalised.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Henry Dele Alake, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Faruk Yabo, led a Federal Government delegation to the site on Thursday.

Our correspondent reports that the team also includes the Director of Mines Compliance, the Director of Inspectorate, the Director of Environmental Compliance and Special Duties, as well as other Plateau State Government representatives.

The delegation’s visit followed the tragedy that struck the mining community in the early hours of Tuesday, reportedly caused by suspected carbon monoxide and sulphite gas emissions.

Speaking after arriving at the affected site, the minister conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, describing the incident as devastating.

The minister said, “It is highly tragic for a community like this to lose more than 30 able-bodied persons. We are here on a fact-finding mission.”

He noted that preliminary information suggests the presence of toxic gases at the site, although this has not yet been confirmed.

The minister expressed disappointment over the absence of technical representatives from the licensed mining company, stressing that licence holders remain responsible for safety oversight.

He also said early security reports indicated possible non-compliance with safety regulations at illegal mining sites in the area.

The minister assured that a full investigation would determine the exact cause and help prevent future occurrences.

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Also speaking at the site, the Assistant Commandant of Corps, Attah Onoja, who is also the National Commander of Mining Marshals under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, said the tragedy reinforces federal efforts to eliminate illegal mining.

He assured that findings from the investigation would be fully enforced.

He also called for collaboration among security agencies to ensure a safe mining environment.

Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom, who spoke earlier, said mining falls under the Exclusive Legislative List but urged stronger implementation of the Mining Act 2007.

He noted that the state government is ready to collaborate with Federal Government authorities to ensure safer mining practices.

Gwom emphasised that Plateau’s mineral wealth should be a blessing rather than a source of tragedy, adding that the state has begun organising miners into cooperatives, providing training, safety gear and micro-loans to reduce fatalities.

“We have too many widows and fatherless children due to unsafe mining practices. This must stop,” he said.

Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, conveyed condolences on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the affected community and Wase Local Government Area.

She reiterated the importance of adhering to mining regulations and noted the governor’s earlier action suspending illegal mining activities to improve safety and regulatory compliance.

The Executive Chairman of Wase Local Government Area, Hamis Anani, commended the swift federal and state response.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the affected families, a traditional ruler, Hakimi Bashar Aliyu Adamu Idris, expressed gratitude for the visit but lamented the humanitarian impact, noting that many women had been widowed and children left fatherless.

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He appealed for government support, particularly improved road infrastructure to enhance accessibility, security and safer mining operations in the community.

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