The Nigerian military has detained 16 senior officers, including a brigadier general and a colonel, over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to Sahara Reporters, the arrests occurred in late September after intelligence revealed the officers were holding secret meetings and expressing dissatisfaction with the administration. The alleged plot reportedly led to the cancellation of Nigeria’s Independence Day parade on October 1.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in an October 4 statement, confirmed the arrests but described them as part of a routine military exercise, citing “indiscipline and breach of service regulations” rather than a coup attempt. Investigations pointed to grievances over “perceived career stagnation” and repeated failures in promotion exams. Some officers are already facing disciplinary actions, with indicted personnel set to undergo a full military disciplinary process.
However, a Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) official claimed the officers, led by a brigadier general, were planning a coup to overthrow Tinubu and establish a military government. The plot was thwarted through intelligence gathered by the DIA and other agencies. PREMIUM TIMES reported additional arrests and alleged plans for a violent coup, including assassinations of top officials, which caused government panic and prompted the parade cancellation.
The DHQ, in a Saturday statement, denied any coup attempt, calling such reports “false and malicious.” It clarified that the Independence Day parade cancellation was due to Tinubu’s bilateral meeting abroad and ongoing efforts against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry. The DHQ emphasized that the investigation is a routine process to ensure discipline and professionalism, with findings to be made public. It reaffirmed the military’s loyalty to Tinubu’s government and Nigeria’s democracy.
An investigative panel, including representatives from the army, air force, navy, police, and State Security Service, has been probing the matter for the past week. This development follows public calls for military intervention amid economic hardship last year and comes shortly before a coup in Madagascar, marking Africa’s ninth since 2020. Nigeria has experienced five successful military coups since its independence in 1960.
