Reports alleging that some military officers were plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration have sparked widespread outrage across the country, as lawyers, civil society groups, and retired generals expressed strong disapproval of any attempt to derail Nigeria’s democratic system.
The Defence Headquarters dismissed the reports, clarifying that there was no coup-related detention or ongoing plan within the military.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, told journalists that the Armed Forces were not aware of any plot to unseat the government.
“I am not aware that people were detained for a coup. We didn’t issue any new statement on the 16 people we said were detained. What we issued is what we issued, and there’s no update on that. If there’s one, we will let the public know,” Gusau said.
Okay News reports that in an earlier statement released on October 4, Gusau had explained that the 16 officers were detained for breaching military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations,” the statement noted.
However, an online platform alleged that the detained officers, ranging from Captain to Brigadier General, were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.
A security source was quoted as saying the plan was to strike on October 1 but arrests began a day earlier, which led to the cancellation of the Independence Day parade.
“The arrests started on September 30. Those arrested are more than 16, and they are all military personnel led by a general,” the source said.
Senior Lawyers Reject Coup Plot
Human rights lawyer, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), described any military intervention as unconstitutional, warning that Nigerians must stand against all forms of dictatorship.
“It is the same thing we said about the appointment of a sole administrator for Rivers State by the President. Nobody is allowed to govern Nigeria in any way that is inconsistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We say no to all forms of military regime and no to all forms of dictatorship—whether by civilians or those in uniform,” he said.
While acknowledging the nation’s economic hardship, Adegboruwa insisted that democracy remained the best system of government.
“It is true that people are suffering and many are not satisfied with the situation of things in the country. But the worst civilian government is still preferable to the best dictatorship. We will keep learning from our democratic experiences and continue to get better. Surely, we cannot go back to Egypt,” he added.
Similarly, another legal expert, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), described any talk of a coup as “unwarranted, unnecessary and condemnable,” adding that it would have severe consequences for Nigeria and Africa.
“Whatever the limitations in our democracy, no system in the world is perfect. It is better to have an imperfect democracy than a so-called perfect military regime,” Adegoke said.
He also cautioned that military governments usually suspend the constitution, restrict freedoms, and abuse human rights.
Adegoke added that calls for coups were mainly coming from “uncultured youths” unfamiliar with the hardship of past military eras.
“Those who suffered under military regimes are not the ones calling for coups. It is mostly young people who do not understand the pain and deprivation of those eras,” he said.
Another lawyer, Yusuf Ali (SAN), said any military intervention would be catastrophic, noting that Nigeria was still paying the price for past military rule.
“I don’t want to believe that any Nigerian in uniform will think about such a thing. We are still suffering from the consequences of prolonged military rule. Most of our developmental challenges today have their roots in those years,” he said.
On his part, Isiaka Olagunju (SAN) maintained that those who lived through past coups would never wish to experience them again.
“I read that the Defence Headquarters denied that there was a coup or a coup attempt. It is no longer the vogue in Nigeria. Since 1999, we have enjoyed uninterrupted democratic rule. We may not yet be where we should be, but anyone who has experienced military regimes will never pray to see another one,” he said.
Retired Generals Speak Against Coup
Several retired military officers also dismissed the reports and called for calm among Nigerians.
Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) said the rumours appeared politically motivated.
“I believe the whole thing must have been instigated by politicians who are hell-bent on discrediting the present administration. The military is solidly behind President Bola Tinubu. Those at the hierarchy are steadfast and committed to the president,” he said.
Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) also urged Nigerians to remain calm, describing the present generation of officers as professional and loyal to democratic principles.
“With due respect, I have read the reports and listened to the waves of speculation surrounding the alleged detention of some military personnel for plotting a coup. While such stories naturally raise public concern, it is important that we interpret them with a sense of balance, not fear,” he stated.
He added that modern Nigerian soldiers are well-trained, disciplined, and committed to constitutional order.
“Frankly, I find it strange that in 2025, anyone would even whisper the word ‘coup’ in a country whose military has evolved this far. These are not the soldiers of the 1980s. They are professionals—intellectually grounded, disciplined, and loyal to constitutional order,” Aro said.
Brigadier General George Emdin (retd.) also said he did not believe the coup report was true.
“I don’t even expect it to be true because those at the helm of affairs are not like that. They can’t be party to it, and if they are not involved, forget it, it cannot work,” he said.
Civil Society and Citizens Defend Democracy
Civil society leaders also voiced support for democratic rule and urged the government to ensure transparency in handling the matter.
The Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, called for a thorough investigation, noting that coups had no place in Nigeria’s political future.
“Nigeria’s democracy has come and is coming of age. Military coups and dictatorships can never be a conversation on the table. I hope the government deals decisively with this,” he said.
Similarly, the National Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Debo Adeniran, described any attempt at a coup as outdated and unacceptable.
“Any coup attempt at this period will be a misadventure for whoever plans it or tries to execute it because Nigerians no longer tolerate military rule,” Adeniran warned.
He also pointed out that countries in the Sahel region under military control were already facing serious consequences, stressing that Nigeria must not follow that path.
Many Nigerians also took to social media to express support for democracy.
A Facebook user, Ofili Onwugbenu, wrote, “I don’t want to believe that those reports are true, even though I wondered why the Independence Day anniversary parade was abruptly cancelled. Still, I don’t want to believe that the reports are true, because anything like a military coup d’état at this delicate time will signal the end of Nigeria as a country.”
An X user, Femi Aduwo, added, “One must be grateful, at least nominally, that we operate under a constitutional democracy, however fragile its practical expression may be.”
Another commentator, Tolulope Adelaja, said, “Coup plot in 2025? Under President Tinubu’s watch? Those days are gone. This government is fixing the economy and strengthening the military—no going back to the dark ages.”
Political analyst Bashiru Akanbi also warned that while hardship might fuel discontent, a coup was not the answer.
“A military coup is not advisable. This, I fear, is one of many attempts. The trajectory of the living conditions of Nigerians will push more of such attempts,” he said.
