By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Some Nigerian soldiers have reportedly raided the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, over an alleged coup plot currently under investigation by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
According to Sahara Reporters, sources revealed that the operation took place at Sylva’s home in the Maitama area of Abuja. The military reportedly acted after receiving intelligence linking the former minister to clandestine meetings with detained military personnel.
“Nigerian Army special team ransacked the home of Timipre Sylva, who is believed to have fled the country,” a source told Sahara Reporters.
“He is the South-South former governor frequently mentioned in the case. His brother, identified as Paga, was arrested during the raid. The operation also extended to his Bayelsa residence.”
Another security source confirmed that although there has been no formal announcement about the operation, the raid was “not random” and was carried out in direct response to intelligence connecting certain political figures with the alleged plotters.
This development follows closely after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu replaced the chiefs of the army, navy, air force, and defence units, a shake-up announced on October 24. The decision came amid circulating reports of a possible coup earlier this month.
Approximately three weeks prior, the Nigerian Army had indicated that 16 officers were under investigation for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.” While the military framed the reshuffle as a routine exercise, media reports suggested the arrests were linked to the alleged coup, a claim the army has denied.
Observers note that the recent actions have intensified speculation regarding potential political tensions within the nation’s security apparatus. Analysts argue that the alleged plot and ensuing arrests may carry political undertones, possibly involving individuals connected to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Sylva, who was closely aligned with Buhari, held the position of Minister of State for Petroleum Resources from 2019 to 2023. He also contested the November 2023 Bayelsa governorship election as the APC candidate but was defeated by incumbent Governor Douye Diri of the PDP.