Fresh intelligence reports have revealed shocking details of how a group of military officers allegedly conspired to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and destabilize Nigeria’s democratic government.
According to top security sources who spoke to Premium Times, the alleged conspirators—believed to be about 20 in number—were apprehended and detained following weeks of covert surveillance and intelligence gathering by national security agencies.
The arrests reportedly sent waves of tension across government circles, prompting the Presidency to take the extraordinary step of cancelling the 2025 Independence Day parade scheduled for October 1.
Inside the Plot
A senior intelligence operative familiar with the ongoing investigation disclosed that the suspected coup plotters had tentatively chosen October 25, 2025, as the day to execute their plan.
“That was their target date,” the source revealed. “However, even if things didn’t align perfectly, they were prepared to continue strategizing until they succeeded.”
The government’s decision to cancel the annual Independence Day parade, a major national event that usually showcases the country’s military strength, was driven by precaution. Officials reportedly feared that the parade could be infiltrated or exploited as part of the plot.
A top security official explained, “Yes, the arrests were made before October 1, but given the sensitivity of the situation and the fact that it was a military event, the government decided not to take any chances.”
High-Profile Assassination Targets
Investigations indicate that the plotters had drawn up a chilling list of high-profile government officials they allegedly planned to assassinate as part of their coup strategy.
Among those reportedly marked for elimination were:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Vice President Kashim Shettima
Senate President Godswill Akpabio
Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas
A source close to the investigation disclosed that the plan was to “take them out simultaneously” in a coordinated strike.
According to intelligence reports, the suspected officers were working in collaboration with informants embedded within the Presidential Villa, who were tasked with tracking the movements and routines of the targeted officials.
“Their goal was to execute all the key figures at once and immediately install a military regime,” the source added. “They wanted to strike on a day when all of them would be in the country to ensure total control after the operation.”
Defence Headquarters Responds
Following the arrests, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) released an official statement on October 4, 2025, through its spokesperson, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, confirming that the detained officers were under investigation.
According to Gusau, preliminary findings linked the officers’ actions to internal grievances, particularly related to career stagnation and failed promotion examinations, rather than direct attempts at regime change.
He further described their conduct as “acts of indiscipline” and a “breach of service regulations.”
The DHQ also dismissed public speculation that the Independence Day parade was called off due to fears of a coup attempt, insisting that it was a “routine administrative decision.”
In addition, the military headquarters denied claims that the 16 officers currently being interrogated were part of any coordinated plot against President Tinubu’s administration.
Growing Concerns Over Military Loyalty
The alleged coup attempt has reignited national debates over loyalty and discipline within the Nigerian Armed Forces. Political analysts warn that even the mere suggestion of a plot underscores the growing discontent within the ranks, particularly amid economic challenges and leadership transitions.
Security experts have urged the government to handle the situation transparently to restore public confidence while ensuring that innocent officers are not unfairly implicated.
As investigations continue, Nigerians await the outcome of the probe one that could have far-reaching implications for the stability of the nation’s democracy.