Fresh details have emerged about an alleged plot to assassinate National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, with investigations revealing that an Air Force officer recently posted to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was allegedly assigned to carry out the attack.
Sources familiar with the investigation identified the officer as Squadron Leader SB Adamu, with service number NAF/3481, from Jigawa State. Adamu was reportedly deployed to the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) — a unit under the ONSA — about four weeks before the alleged coup attempt was uncovered.
Contrary to reports suggesting that several suspects were attached to the ONSA, investigators say Adamu was the only officer connected to the office through the NCTC posting.
Military insiders disclosed that when Major General Adamu Garba Laka, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, requested the posting of a specific officer to the centre in August 2025, the request was declined. Instead, Squadron Leader Adamu was deployed to the post, a move that has since fueled suspicions of infiltration within the military’s command structure.
Adamu, a member of the 59th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), was allegedly assigned to “eliminate” Ribadu, while other officers were reportedly tasked with targeting senior government officials, according to sources.
He is said to be cooperating with investigators as the probe continues.
While the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has yet to confirm the alleged coup plot, it acknowledged in a recent statement that 16 officers are currently under investigation. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, described the inquiry as a “routine internal process” aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the ranks.
President Bola Tinubu recently overhauled the military leadership, relieving two service chiefs, including former Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, of their duties — a move some observers believe may be connected to the ongoing investigation.
The DHQ has promised to make the findings of the probe public once concluded. /First reported by The Cable