The Nigerian Army has raided the Abuja residence of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, in connection with an alleged coup plot. The raid, carried out by a special military team, occurred at Sylva’s home in the Maitama area of Abuja. Sylva’s brother, Paga, was arrested during the operation, which also extended to Sylva’s Bayelsa residence.

Alleged Links to Detained Military Officers

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that intelligence linked Sylva to secret meetings with some of the detained military officers. The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) is investigating the alleged coup plot, which has resulted in the detention of 16 senior military officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Growing Tension within the Armed Forces

The development has sparked tension within the armed forces, with security analysts questioning why the DIA is leading the investigation instead of each military service handling its personnel internally. Some have speculated that the alleged plot and subsequent arrests may have deeper political undertones, potentially involving former office holders with ties to the previous administration.

Sylva’s Background

Sylva, a former Governor of Bayelsa State and a close ally of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources between 2019 and 2023. He was also the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the November 2023 Bayelsa election, which he lost to incumbent Governor Douye Diri of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).