Military Raids Ex-Governor Sylva’s Home Over Alleged Coup Plot

‎In a dramatic escalation of national security concerns, armed military personnel raided the residences of former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva in Abuja and Yenagoa early Wednesday morning.
‎
‎The operations, conducted under the cover of dawn, involved heavily armed soldiers who cordoned off the properties and searched for evidence linked to an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
‎
‎Sources close to the matter described the raids as swift and methodical, with no arrests made on the spot but several documents and electronic devices seized.
‎
‎Sylva, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a vocal critic of the ruling party’s internal dynamics, was reportedly absent from his Abuja home during the incursion.
‎
‎His spokesperson, Peretu Minimah, confirmed the raid in a terse statement, calling it “politically motivated harassment” and denying any involvement in subversive activities.
‎
‎”Chief Sylva is a patriot committed to democratic principles,” Minimah said, urging the public to disregard “baseless rumors” being peddled by political opponents.
‎
‎The raids stem from intelligence reports suggesting a network of disgruntled military officers and civilian allies were plotting to destabilize the government amid ongoing economic hardships and security challenges.
‎
‎Investigators believe Sylva’s name surfaced during interrogations of a media director arrested last week for disseminating “anti-government propaganda.”
‎
‎The plot allegedly involved coordinated strikes on key federal installations, though details remain classified to prevent further leaks.
‎
‎Eyewitnesses in Yenagoa recounted a tense scene as military vehicles blocked access roads to Sylva’s family compound, where relatives were briefly detained for questioning before being released.
‎
‎Local residents expressed shock, with one neighbor noting, “We’ve known Chief Sylva for years; this feels like a witch hunt.” The operation has fueled speculation about internal power struggles within the APC, particularly as Sylva eyes a potential return to Bayelsa politics.
‎
‎President Tinubu’s office swiftly distanced itself from the raids, with a presidential aide emphasizing that “no sacred cows exist in the fight against treason.”
‎
‎The presidency reiterated its commitment to rooting out threats to democracy, referencing recent sackings of over 50 senior military officers as part of broader reforms. Security analysts warn that such high-profile actions could deepen divisions in the armed forces.
‎
‎Opposition leaders have condemned the military’s involvement, accusing the administration of using security agencies to silence dissent.
‎
‎The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called for an independent probe, while human rights groups like Amnesty International urged restraint to avoid eroding civil liberties. Sylva’s allies in the Niger Delta have mobilized, planning protests to demand transparency.
‎
‎As investigations continue, the nation watches closely. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been looped in to examine financial trails potentially tied to the alleged plot.
‎
‎For now, Sylva remains at large but cooperative, vowing to clear his name through legal channels. This incident underscores Nigeria’s fragile political landscape, where whispers of coups echo louder than ever.
‎
‎