ABUJA, Nigeria — An Air Force officer recently deployed to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was allegedly tasked with assassinating Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, as part of a foiled coup plot, senior military sources told TheCable.
Squadron Leader SB Adamu, service number NAF/3481 and a native of Jigawa State, had been posted to the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) — a unit coordinated by ONSA — just four weeks before the alleged plot was uncovered.
Security sources said Adamu, a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s Regular Course 59, was the only suspect directly linked to ONSA through the NCTC, despite earlier reports claiming widespread infiltration.
According to those familiar with the internal inquiry, Adamu Garba Laka, a Major General and national coordinator of the NCTC, had earlier requested a different officer for the role in August 2025.
His request was reportedly denied, and Adamu was posted instead — a development now fuelling suspicion that the alleged plotters had penetrated the military command structure.
The detained squadron leader was allegedly “detailed to take out” Ribadu, while other conspirators were assigned to target senior officials, sources said.
He is believed to be cooperating with investigators.
The revelation comes weeks after President Bola Tinubu removed two service chiefs, including former Chief of Air Staff Hasan Abubakar, in what insiders described as part of a sweeping shake-up linked to security concerns.
Military authorities have yet to formally confirm the existence of a coup plot.
In a statement issued after Sahara Reporters first reported the arrests of senior officers, Defence Headquarters described the detentions as an internal disciplinary process.
The statement, signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, director of defence information, said the probe involved 16 officers and was aimed at maintaining military “discipline and professionalism”.
Gusau added that the findings would be made public.
However, as names and details continue to emerge through media reports and security briefings, pressure is mounting for clarity from the federal government and military high command on the nature and scope of the alleged conspiracy.
If confirmed, the plot would mark one of the most serious security breaches in Nigeria in recent years, raising questions about internal loyalty within the armed forces and the safety of senior government officials.
