Defence Intelligence Detains 16 Nigerian Officers Over Alleged Coup Plot To Overthrow Tinubu
At least sixteen senior Nigerian military officers have been quietly detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over what top security insiders described as an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to multiple security sources who spoke to PulseNets, the detained officers — including one Brigadier-General — were reportedly picked up across different military formations in a covert operation coordinated by the DIA and other intelligence units.
“They were not arrested for mere indiscipline or failure in promotion exams as the military claimed. They were plotting a coup,” one top intelligence officer told PulseNets. “The authorities only released a diplomatic statement to manage public perception.”
Earlier in the week, the Defence Headquarters had issued a vague statement announcing that some senior officers were taken into custody for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” linking their actions to “perceived career stagnation” and “failure in promotion examinations.”
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, said in the statement:
“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues. Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.”
However, PulseNets obtained by insiders within the Defence Intelligence Agency that the arrests had deeper national security implications. The DIA reportedly intercepted communications and tracked several secret meetings held by the officers allegedly plotting to “remove selfish politicians” and restore what they described as “military discipline in governance.”
“They had already begun discreet mobilization within certain units,” another defence insider told PulseNets. “Their target was to disrupt the October 1 Independence Day parade and use it as an entry point for a change of government. The plan was to attack during the ceremonial salute while the President and other top politicians were present.”
PulseNets learnt that the alleged coup plan led to the abrupt cancellation of the 2025 Independence Day parade, which was earlier scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, as part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebrations.
“Intelligence reports showed the parade was their chosen strike moment. The National Security Adviser and the service chiefs urgently advised President Tinubu to cancel the event,” a top security source reported to PulseNets. “Their ultimate objective was to assassinate the President and declare a military government.”
The sixteen detained officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier-General, remain under tight security at the DIA headquarters in Abuja. Internal investigations are ongoing to uncover possible collaborators within and outside the Armed Forces.
Nigeria has experienced five successful military coups since independence in 1960, and several aborted attempts since the return to democracy in 1999. Analysts say the latest development underscores the growing tension within the ranks of the military, fuelled by allegations of corruption, political interference, and stalled promotions.
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A retired Army Colonel who spoke to PulseNets under anonymity cautioned that such incidents “reflect deep frustration within the system,” adding that “many officers feel neglected while politicians enjoy unchecked privileges.”
While the Defence Headquarters has yet to provide further clarification, PulseNets learnt that the situation remains under close surveillance by the National Security Adviser and the Office of the President.
