Kamsiyochukwu Mbamalu
A former southern governor is under investigation for alleged links to a coup plot targeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) is leading the probe, with 16 military officers, including a Brigadier-General and a Colonel, already detained.
Two online news platforms, Sahara Reporters and Premium Times, had, reported that the 16 officers who the Defence Headquarters said were arrested for certain unprofessional conduct, were being investigated over an alleged plan to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa had reported that the detainees, said to be Brigadier-General, a Colonel and others below that rank, were reportedly attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), although analysts wondered how such officers who have no active military command could have succeeded in executing a coup d’etat.
“The coming days are pregnant,” a source, who does not want his name mentioned, told our correspondent on Sunday October 19, 2025.
“However, coup plot by officers attached to NSA office doesn’t make any sense at all. In the present structure of our armed forces, can officers without command positions execute a successful coup? I doubt it,” the source said.
“Really, with the present structure of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, and especially high numbers of High Commands of the Army, it is extremely difficult to execute a successful coup. Inter and intra service rivalries will mean counter coups, faster detection and eventual failure,” the source told Prime Business Africa.
“In our circumstance, Coup can only be planned by suicidal and naive officers…from the look of things, there seems to be such around still.”
Daily Trust on Monday quoted sources as having suggested that the ex-governor, previously active in the oil and gas sector, may have financed the alleged plan. According to reports, investigators are working to determine the nature of his interactions with detained officers. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) denies coup plot allegations, attributing the Independence Day parade cancellation to administrative reasons.
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The said investigation involves officers from southern and northern regions, with some civilian actors also under scrutiny. No Igbo military officers or politicians are implicated, contrary to earlier speculation. The military maintains its loyalty to the government, emphasizing democracy is “forever.”
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