Army Reportedly Raids Ex-Minister Timipre Sylva’s Home, Arrests Brother Amid Alleged Coup Plot

Nigerian soldiers, on Tuesday, reportedly stormed the residence of former Minister of Petroleum and ex-Governor Timipre Sylva in Abuja’s upscale Maitama district, in connection with an alleged coup conspiracy currently under intense investigation by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Security insiders revealed that Sylva, a prominent figure linked to powerful political circles, has been indirectly targeted due to suspected clandestine meetings with detained military officers involved in the plot.

According to SaharaReporters, a specialized military unit executed the raid, reportedly based on intelligence connecting Sylva—who has reportedly fled the country—to secret discussions with officers now detained in connection with the alleged coup attempt.

The report says during the operation, Sylva’s brother, Paga, was arrested, and similar searches extended to his Bayelsa residence.

Sources quoted in the report reveal, a “special military team” carried out the operation after intelligence linked the “former South-South governor” to secret meetings allegedly held with some of the detained military officers.

“Nigerian Army special team ransacked the home of Timipre Sylva, who is believed to have fled Nigeria,” one top source familiar with the development told SaharaReporters.

“He is the South-South former governor frequently mentioned in the case. His brother, named Paga, was picked up during the raid. The operation also extended to his Bayelsa residence.”

Advertisement

While the military has yet to issue an official statement, the report suggest this was no random act but a calculated move rooted in political motives. The raid comes amid alarming reports of over 16 senior military officers being held in undisclosed locations for weeks without trial.