Nigerian Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has reportedly detained at least sixteen senior military officers, including a Brigadier-General, over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. According to insider sources quoted by *SaharaReporters*, the arrested officers were accused of planning a coup d’état aimed at toppling the current civilian government and installing a military regime.
A coup d’état is a sudden and unlawful seizure of power by a faction within the military or ruling elite. While the Nigerian military recently issued an official statement downplaying the incident — attributing the arrests to “disciplinary breaches” and “grievances arising from repeated failures in promotion examinations” — intelligence sources insist that the detentions were directly linked to a coup plot uncovered through coordinated surveillance by the Defence Intelligence Agency and other security bodies.
In an earlier press release, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, described the arrests as a routine exercise connected to indiscipline and violation of service regulations. He explained that investigations had shown the detained officers were dissatisfied with their stalled career progression, noting that some of them were already facing disciplinary proceedings for other offences.
However, a senior DIA official contradicted this account, revealing that the officers, led by a Brigadier-General, had been holding secret meetings to plan an armed takeover of government. The intelligence operation that exposed the conspiracy reportedly prevented what could have been a violent attempt to unseat President Tinubu and key political leaders. “The sixteen officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier-General, were arrested from different locations across the country. Their main goal was to overthrow the President and establish a military government,” the source confirmed.
Another source disclosed that the alleged coup plot directly influenced the federal government’s decision to cancel the 2025 Independence Day parade, originally scheduled for October 1. According to the source, intelligence reports indicated that the conspirators intended to execute their plan during the parade by targeting the President and other top government officials. Following security consultations involving the National Security Adviser and the service chiefs, the event was called off as a preventive measure.
“The cancellation of the Independence Day celebration was not coincidental. Intelligence revealed that the coup was to happen on October 1 during the parade. The plotters had planned to open fire on the President and senior politicians,” the source claimed.
This development comes amid growing reports of discontent within Nigeria’s military over corruption allegations, stalled promotions, and declining morale among officers and soldiers. Some security analysts believe these grievances may have fueled resentment within the ranks.
Since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the country has witnessed five successful military coups, along with several failed attempts. The latest alleged plot, if confirmed, underscores ongoing tensions within the armed forces and raises concerns over internal discipline and loyalty in the post-democratic era.
As of now, all detained officers remain in custody at the Defence Intelligence Agency’s facility in Abuja, while investigations continue under tight security supervision.