ABUJA, Oct 29 (AGCNewsNet) – Nigeria’s investigation into an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu has intensified, with security operatives reportedly interrogating the managing director of a federal agency in the South-South region over a suspicious transfer of funds to former Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva.

According to sources, the agency head was picked up by military investigators who suspect that a large payment made to Sylva could be tied to an alleged plan to finance a coup.

“The MD transferred a huge sum to Sylva. Investigators are working on the theory that the funds were connected to the alleged coup,” one intelligence officer was quoted as saying.

Over the weekend, operatives reportedly raided Sylva’s Abuja residence, arresting his younger brother, Paga Sylva — who also serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs — along with his driver. The former Bayelsa governor, said to be outside Nigeria at the time, has since delayed his return after learning of multiple arrests linked to the probe.

Efforts to get official comments from the Defence Headquarters were unsuccessful. However, earlier this month, the military confirmed the detention of 16 officers for “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.” Though the statement framed the arrests as routine, multiple reports suggest the officers were being investigated for coup-related activities.

President Tinubu’s sweeping replacement of service chiefs on October 24 has been widely interpreted as a move to tighten control over the military amid rising suspicions of internal dissent.

Analysts say the alleged involvement of both serving officials and former government figures signals growing unease within the country’s power structure. “The coup scare is a reminder that Nigeria’s democracy remains fragile,” said one defence analyst, noting that internal grievances such as stalled promotions and poor welfare continue to test military loyalty.

The Defence Intelligence Agency is reportedly tracing financial transactions and communications between detained officers and their civilian contacts. As of press time, neither Sylva nor the Presidency had issued a formal statement.

Civil society groups, including the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), have urged transparency and caution in handling the case. “Nigerians deserve full disclosure,” CDD said in a statement. “The military must remain professional and avoid witch-hunts.”

Security sources say the Armed Forces remain on high alert, with surveillance stepped up across key installations in Abuja and other state capitals. Whether the alleged plot was a coordinated attempt to seize power or a reflection of military discontent remains unclear — but the unfolding probe poses one of the gravest stability tests for the Tinubu administration.

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