Military intelligence operatives have uncovered about N11 billion traced to the bank accounts of a detained Nigerian Army colonel under investigation for an alleged coup plot involving senior officers.
According to The PUNCH, security sources confirmed that the discovery of the huge funds strengthened suspicions that the officer was connected to the reported conspiracy to overthrow the government.
According to an officer familiar with the investigation, the colonel, who once served directly under a brigadier general also being probed—had previously been deployed to the Niger Delta region.
“When interrogated, the colonel claimed the money belonged to a former governor, whom he described as his business partner,” the source revealed. “He maintained that the funds were meant for a legitimate business transaction.”
The ongoing probe is said to form part of a broader security investigation launched in August 2024 following intelligence reports that some serving officers were allegedly plotting to topple the government.
Top military and intelligence officials disclosed that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) had been monitoring communications, financial transactions, and foreign contacts linked to the suspects for months before any arrests were made.
Sources said the discovery of the N11bn trail is expected to play a key role in the continuing interrogations and could lead to the arrest of more suspects, including possible civilian collaborators.
