Tension is building within Nigeria’s security architecture as no fewer than sixteen senior military officers have reportedly been detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, according to findings by Sahara Reporters.
Although the Armed Forces of Nigeria issued a statement earlier this week describing the arrests as “a routine military exercise” linked to “indiscipline and failure in promotion examinations,” credible intelligence sources insist the matter is far more serious. The detained officers, spanning ranks from Captain to Brigadier General, were allegedly plotting a coup d’état aimed at toppling the current democratic government.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, had released a carefully worded statement explaining that the affected officers were being questioned over “issues of indiscipline and perceived career stagnation.” However, insiders claim the official explanation was a deliberate attempt to calm public anxiety and conceal the depth of the crisis.
A senior Defence Intelligence officer who spoke with Sahara Reporters disclosed that the suspects were picked up from different parts of the country after intelligence agencies intercepted communications suggesting a planned attack against the President and key government figures. “The 16 officers were planning a coup. They were already holding secret meetings and had mapped out plans to target the President during a public event,” the source revealed.
According to the report, the DIA and sister security agencies moved swiftly to thwart the plot following weeks of surveillance and intelligence tracking. The arrests, described as “a proactive measure to avert national chaos,” were reportedly executed quietly to prevent panic within the military hierarchy and the general public.
Security analysts have warned that the development, if confirmed, highlights deepening cracks within the military structure and rising discontent over perceived political interference, delayed promotions, and poor welfare among officers. Some observers believe the incident could trigger a wider internal review of loyalty and discipline within the Armed Forces.
As of press time, the Defence Headquarters has not provided further clarification beyond its initial statement, fueling speculations that the matter is being handled with utmost secrecy. Meanwhile, sources close to the Presidency disclosed that President Tinubu has been briefed on the situation and has ordered a discreet investigation to identify external influences and collaborators behind the alleged coup plot.
