By the National Patriots/ Headlinenews.news Investigative Desk
Recent reports circulating across social media and a few online platforms alleging a “coup plot” against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have been thoroughly investigated by Headlinenews.news. Our findings, backed by verified statements from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), confirm that no coup plot exists and that the claims are entirely baseless.
What Actually Happened
On October 4, 2025, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters announced the arrest of 16 military officers for alleged indiscipline and breach of service regulations. This information was officially released and published by credible mainstream media including Premium Times, The Nation, and The Guardian.
The DHQ explained that the arrests were part of a routine internal disciplinary process linked to exam irregularities, professional misconduct, and violations of service rules.
“It is purely an internal matter related to discipline and service regulations,” the DHQ clarified.
At no point did the official statement mention a coup attempt, nor did any credible agency or government spokesperson make such a claim.
Where the False Narrative Came From
The “coup plot” narrative originated from an exclusive by SaharaReporters, which cited unnamed “military sources” alleging that the officers were detained by Defence Intelligence for planning to overthrow President Tinubu.
However, no other reputable outlet has verified this claim. Politics Nigeria and other smaller blogs merely re-published the Sahara story without independent confirmation.
To date, there is no evidence, no documents, and no statement from the DHQ or the Presidency to support any claim of a coup attempt.
Why the Coup Claim Makes No Sense
The allegations coincide with the planned October 20 protest and are widely viewed as a politically motivated attempt to stir public anxiety and weaken national confidence in the current administration.
If any officer were genuinely caught plotting a coup, the punishment would be death under military law, and the DHQ would have made an immediate and categorical announcement — not a quiet administrative process.
The Nigerian military, known for its professionalism and constitutional loyalty, reserves the right to discipline personnel for examination malpractice, misconduct, or other infractions. Such routine matters should never be twisted into false political drama.
Political Propaganda and Media Responsibility
Headlinenews.news cautions media outlets against publishing unverified or sensational stories designed to create panic or undermine national unity.
This latest “coup plot” tale is part of a broader opposition propaganda effort to generate fear, cast doubt on the government’s stability, and distract from the ongoing reforms.
SaharaReporters’ recent fixation on divisive narratives — including their open support for the “FreeKanu” campaign — exposes a clear agenda to gain attention through political sensationalism rather than factual reporting.
Such practices are unpatriotic and dangerous, especially at a time when the nation requires calm, focus, and solidarity.
Why There Was No Independence Day Parade
Contrary to rumours, the October 1 Independence Day parade was not cancelled because of any supposed coup threat.
Presidential sources confirm that the decision was driven by financial prudence and national mood. The President reportedly felt it was a time for reflection, not fanfare, given the ongoing economic pressures on citizens.
This prudent move was in line with the administration’s cost-saving measures and its focus on economic stabilization.
President Tinubu in Firm Control
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly in control as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The nation’s security architecture is intact, loyal, and active in maintaining peace and constitutional order.
The President continues to implement structural reforms to stabilize the economy and strengthen social safety nets.
Governors have confirmed the receipt of additional federal allocations meant to cushion the impact of economic hardship on citizens, as mandated by the Constitution.
Conclusion: Nigerians Should Ignore False Coup Reports
There is no coup plot, no internal rebellion, and no verified threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
The public is advised to ignore and disregard the SaharaReporters story and similar speculative reports. These narratives serve only the interests of political actors seeking to destabilize public confidence ahead of the planned October 20 protests.
The Nigerian Armed Forces remain loyal, disciplined, and professional.
Nigerians should stand united, support ongoing reforms, and refuse to be manipulated by fear-mongering headlines designed to divide the nation.
Editorial Note
Headlinenews.news reaffirms its commitment to truth, stability, and responsible journalism. We call on all media platforms to verify information through official channels before publication. In times like these, accuracy and patriotism must go hand in hand.
Princess G. Fraser. MFR
The National Patriots.
