Nigerian Military Officers detained for allegedly plotting a coup to overthrow President Tinubu, as top sources reveal hidden details behind their arrest

Nigerian Military Officers have reportedly been detained by the Armed Forces for allegedly plotting a coup d’état to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, according to credible defence sources.

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Sixteen senior officers, including a Brigadier-General, were said to have been picked up across the country after intelligence agencies uncovered what insiders described as “a dangerous plan to seize power from selfish politicians.”

Although the Defence Headquarters released a statement suggesting that the officers were arrested for indiscipline and repeated failure in promotion examinations, top security sources insisted the official explanation was meant to calm public tension.

Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, had earlier said, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”

However, a senior operative of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) disclosed that the detainees were plotting to topple the civilian administration.

He confirmed that the group had already begun discreet meetings aimed at taking control of the government.

“The sixteen officers were planning a coup. The military authorities are just being diplomatic in their statement. They were meeting secretly to discuss how to overthrow the President,” the DIA source revealed.

According to him, the officers—whose ranks range from Captain to Brigadier-General—were arrested in a coordinated operation by intelligence units. Their goal, he said, was to disrupt the political order and announce a military government.

Another security insider linked the sudden cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade to the foiled coup attempt. “Yes, that was why the parade marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was cancelled.

Intelligence reports indicated the plotters planned to strike that day during the military parade,” the source explained.

The plan allegedly involved targeting the President and other top officials during the event, prompting urgent directives from the National Security Adviser and service chiefs to cancel the ceremony.

While the official military statement remains cautious, the unfolding situation has stirred unease within defence circles.

Observers say the arrests, if linked to a coup attempt, mark one of the most serious internal security breaches in years.

Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has witnessed five successful military coups, though the country has remained under civilian rule since 1999.

The arrests have reignited concerns about discontent and corruption within the military, with insiders suggesting that frustration over stalled promotions, poor welfare, and alleged misuse of defence funds may have fuelled the disillusionment.