Alleged Coup Rumours Rock Nigeria: Military, Presidency Deny Claims

By Luchiinter Blog — October 19, 2025

Nigeria’s political space was thrown into confusion this weekend after multiple online reports claimed that several senior military officers had been arrested for allegedly plotting a coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The rumours, which spread rapidly across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, triggered widespread public anxiety and speculation about the stability of Africa’s largest democracy.

According to some of the early reports, about 16 senior military officers were detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the government. The supposed plot was said to have been planned to coincide with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day on October 1, 2025. These publications also tried to link the cancellation of the Independence Day parade in Abuja to the alleged coup attempt, suggesting that security agencies had uncovered plans for a military takeover.

However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) swiftly debunked the story, calling it “false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to cause fear and instability in the country.” The military high command warned Nigerians against spreading unverified information that could undermine national unity and the morale of the armed forces.

The Origin of the Rumour

The coup story appears to have originated from a little-known online outlet that published a sensational headline claiming “DIA arrests 16 senior military officers for plotting to topple President Tinubu.” Within hours, the report went viral, shared by blogs, social media influencers, and political commentators who further speculated on the alleged involvement of some retired generals and politicians.

As the story gained traction, many Nigerians began drawing comparisons to recent events in West Africa, where military takeovers have occurred in countries such as Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. The fear that the “coup fever” could spread to Nigeria dominated online conversations, with hashtags like #CoupInNigeria and #Tinubu trending throughout the day.

Nevertheless, official responses from the government and the military were quick and coordinated. The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, issued a press statement stating unequivocally that “there is no coup or attempt to overthrow the government of Nigeria.” He further explained that while certain officers were indeed being questioned, it had nothing to do with politics or regime change.

“The arrests mentioned in the viral reports relate to internal disciplinary matters within the Armed Forces. The Nigerian military remains fully loyal to President Bola Tinubu and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement read.

Official Clarifications and Reactions

The DHQ also clarified that the decision to cancel the October 1 Independence Day parade had nothing to do with any alleged plot. According to the military, the parade was shelved due to “logistical reasons and scheduling conflicts,” as President Tinubu was reportedly engaged in international meetings during that period.

The Presidential Villa also weighed in on the matter through the Special Adviser on Information, Bayo Onanuga, who dismissed the rumour as the work of mischief-makers trying to destabilize the country. “There is no truth whatsoever in the story. The President is in full control of the government, and the Armed Forces are performing their constitutional duties diligently,” he said.

Several state governors, lawmakers, and civil society leaders echoed similar sentiments, urging Nigerians to resist the temptation to spread panic or share unverified news. The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) also cautioned media organizations to exercise restraint and verify their information before publication, warning that “false coup stories can undermine national peace and security.”

Public Reaction and Political Implications

Despite the official denials, the alleged coup rumour sparked heated discussions among Nigerians. Many citizens expressed concern that the very idea of a coup could gain traction in the country, even if it was false.

Nigeria has a long and complex history with military interventions — from the first coup in 1966 to subsequent takeovers in 1975, 1983, and 1985. Although the nation has enjoyed uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999, the shadow of the military still looms large in the public imagination.

Political analysts say the incident reveals deep public mistrust of political leadership and institutions. According to Lagos-based analyst Dr. Hamza Oyeleke, “Nigerians are so frustrated with governance that even a mere rumour of a coup spreads like wildfire. That tells you that citizens are losing faith in democracy’s ability to deliver.”

However, others believe the swift response by the DHQ helped calm tensions and demonstrated that Nigeria’s democracy is stronger than in the past. “In previous decades, such a rumour might have sparked real panic,” said Abuja journalist Kehinde Akinyemi. “But the military’s prompt denial shows that civil-military relations have improved. The army now recognizes that its loyalty is to the constitution, not to individuals.”

Why This Matters

The rumoured coup attempt comes at a time when Nigeria is facing numerous challenges — economic instability, high inflation, insecurity in several regions, and public discontent over subsidy removal and rising cost of living. Many observers worry that spreading unverified political rumours could further strain the already tense national atmosphere.

The West African sub-region has seen a resurgence of coups in recent years, with the overthrow of elected governments in Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali. International observers have expressed concern that anti-democratic sentiments could spill into other nations. Nigeria, as the region’s largest democracy and economic powerhouse, remains a key test case for stability.

Security experts have also warned that disinformation campaigns could be weaponized by political actors seeking to sow confusion or test the loyalty of the armed forces. “Fake news about coups can weaken confidence in government and create openings for real destabilization,” noted defence analyst Col. Sunday Agbaje (rtd.).

The Current Situation

As of today, no verifiable evidence supports claims that a coup attempt took place in Nigeria. The officers allegedly detained have not been publicly identified, and there are no formal charges related to treason or subversion. The Defence Headquarters insists that all investigations are strictly internal and administrative.

President Tinubu, currently focused on economic reforms and international diplomacy, has reportedly been briefed on the situation and expressed full confidence in the loyalty of the Nigerian military.

The federal government has since reiterated its commitment to democratic governance, promising transparency, dialogue, and improved communication to prevent misinformation from spreading in the future.

Conclusion

While rumours of a coup in Nigeria have proven to be unfounded, the incident underscores how fragile public trust remains in the political system. It also highlights the urgent need for responsible journalism, stronger public communication by government agencies, and better digital literacy among citizens.

For now, Nigeria’s democracy stands firm — but as history has shown, rumours can be as dangerous as reality when allowed to spiral unchecked.

Stay tuned to Luchiinter Blog for accurate updates on Nigerian politics, security, and national affairs.