By Sahara Reporters
Sahara reporters has taken to it’s official X handle and announced that, In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s security circles, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has detained at least sixteen senior military officers, including a Brigadier-General, over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, Daily Trust has gathered.
Multiple security sources confirmed that the officers were picked up in a coordinated operation across different military formations after weeks of intense intelligence monitoring by the DIA and sister security agencies.
Although the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had earlier issued a statement suggesting that the arrests were linked to “issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” top insiders insist that the operation was connected to a foiled coup attempt.
> “The military authorities are being cautious in their communication, but the truth is that these men were holding clandestine meetings and discussing plans to unseat the government,” a senior Defence source revealed.
“Their stated motive was to ‘rescue the nation from corrupt politicians.’ However, the plan was intercepted and crushed before it matured.”
Foiled Plot Linked To Independence Day Parade
According to multiple sources familiar with the investigation, the alleged coup plotters—ranging from Captain to Brigadier-General—had planned to execute their mission during the October 1 Independence Day parade in Abuja.
> “That was the real reason the parade was abruptly cancelled,” another source said. “Security reports showed that the conspirators had targeted the event as the perfect moment to strike, intending to attack key government officials including the President.”
The National Security Adviser (NSA) and Service Chiefs, it was gathered, immediately advised the President to cancel the parade to prevent possible infiltration or an ambush during the national celebration.
DHQ Plays Down Coup Allegation
In a carefully worded statement issued earlier, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the affected officers were under investigation for disciplinary matters linked to failed promotion examinations and professional misconduct.
> “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,” he stated.
“Their grievances were largely tied to perceived career stagnation and repeated failures in promotion examinations.”
However, credible sources within the Defence Intelligence insist the official line was deliberately softened to avoid panic within the ranks and the wider public.
Rising Discontent In The Ranks
Defence analysts say the development exposes growing frustration within the Nigerian military, where allegations of corruption, poor welfare, and political favoritism have deepened discontent among officers.
> “Morale is low in some quarters,” said a retired military strategist who spoke to Daily Trust. “There is a perception that loyalty, not merit, determines promotion. That kind of environment breeds resentment — and resentment can become dangerous.”
The detained officers are currently being held at the DIA Headquarters in Abuja under heavy guard, with sources hinting that the investigation is being handled discreetly to prevent further embarrassment to the Armed Forces.
Following the arrests, security around key government installations — including Aso Rock Presidential Villa, the National Assembly Complex, and military barracks in Abuja — has reportedly been reinforced.
Presidency sources told Sahara reporters that the government was not taking the development lightly, describing it as “a wake-up call.”
> “The President has been fully briefed,” one source said. “There is no cause for alarm, but those found guilty of disloyalty will face the full consequences of their actions.”
Historical Parallels
Since independence in 1960, Nigeria has experienced five successful military coups and several failed attempts.
The last major coup attempt dates back to the 1990 Gideon Orkar-led mutiny, which sought to overthrow General Ibrahim Babangida’s military government.
The latest alleged plot, coming more than two decades into Nigeria’s democracy, has rekindled fears about lingering political instability and the fragile loyalty of some elements within the armed forces.
As of press time, neither the Ministry of Defence nor the Presidency had issued an official reaction to the alleged coup plot.
PIONEER NEWS 