In a dramatic turn of events, sixteen Nigerian military officers have reportedly been arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.
Sources within the Defence Headquarters confirmed that the officers, drawn from various units across the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, were picked up in a coordinated operation by military intelligence and the Department of State Services (DSS) following weeks of surveillance.
According to preliminary reports, the officers were accused of holding secret meetings and making plans to mobilize troops and equipment in what authorities described as “a plot to destabilize the current democratic order.” The arrests, which took place in Abuja and Kaduna, were said to have followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to subversive activities.
A senior military source who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “The Nigerian Armed Forces remain loyal to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief. Any attempt to derail democracy will be met with decisive action.”
The Defence Headquarters, in a brief statement on Saturday, confirmed the arrests but emphasized that investigations were ongoing. “We can confirm that certain officers are currently in custody for questioning over activities that may threaten national security. The Nigerian military remains steadfastly committed to democracy and constitutional governance,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has urged Nigerians to remain calm, assuring that the situation is under control. Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale described the alleged coup plot as “a desperate and failed attempt by a few misguided individuals.”
The arrests have sparked wide reactions across the country, with many Nigerians commending the swift action by security agencies to safeguard democracy, while others called for transparency in the investigation.
