At least 16 senior military officers have been arrested over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, according to a report by SaharaReporters.
The officers, reportedly holding ranks from Captain to Brigadier General, were apprehended in coordinated operations carried out by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and other security agencies across various locations nationwide.
While the Defence Headquarters initially downplayed the arrests, describing them as part of a “routine military exercise” involving “issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations”, sources within the military suggested a more serious motive.
“The 16 officers were planning a coup. The military authorities were just being diplomatic in the statement released by the spokesperson,” a senior DIA official was quoted as saying.
“They had begun holding secret meetings to overthrow the President and announce a military government.”
In an official statement, Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, explained that the detention followed internal investigations linked to misconduct and disobedience.
“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues,” Gusau said.
“Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.”
However, multiple high-ranking security insiders insist that the arrests were directly related to a thwarted coup attempt uncovered through classified intelligence monitoring and intercepted communications.
One security source disclosed that the coup plotters allegedly planned to strike during the October 1 Independence Day celebrations, targeting President Tinubu and other key government officials.
“Yes, they were arrested for planning to stage a coup and take over government,” the source confirmed.
“That was why the Independence Day parade marking the country’s 65th anniversary was abruptly cancelled. Intelligence indicated they intended to strike during the event.”
The source added that the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), led by Nuhu Ribadu, collaborated closely with service chiefs to brief the Presidency and ultimately recommended the parade’s cancellation after confirming credible threats.
Nigeria has endured a turbulent history of military interference in politics.
Since its independence in 1960, the country has witnessed five successful coups and several failed attempts, with each episode casting long shadows over its democratic progress.
