Reports of an alleged plan by certain military officers to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration have caused outrage among Nigerians, as senior lawyers, civil society organisations, and retired military officers have warned against any move to undermine democracy.
The Defence Headquarters has also dismissed the claims, insisting that there was no coup-related arrest or plan within the military.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, stated that the Armed Forces were unaware of any coup plot.
He also said that there had been no further update since the earlier statement regarding the arrest of some officers.
“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.
In the October 4 statement he referred to, Gusau explained that the 16 officers were detained for violating military regulations and engaging in acts of indiscipline.
“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations,” the statement partly read.
However, an online news outlet, Sahara Reporters, claimed that the detained officers—whose ranks ranged from Captain to Brigadier General—were being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.
The platform further alleged that the officers were arrested at their homes across different states in the country.
A security source said that the arrests were indeed linked to a coup plan.
According to the source, the plan was to execute the coup on October 1, but the arrests began the day before, leading 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 stated.
Senior lawyers in the country have strongly condemned any suggestion of a military takeover in Nigeria, describing it as unconstitutional.
Human rights lawyer, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), said that Nigeria must reject every form of dictatorship or military rule.
He emphasised that no level of hardship or political frustration could justify the truncation of democracy.
“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 country’s economic hardship, Adegboruwa maintained that democracy remained Nigeria’s best system of governance.
“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, Kunle Adegoke (SAN) described any talk of a coup as “unwarranted, unnecessary and condemnable,” warning that such a move would have grave consequences for Nigeria and the African continent.
He said, “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.”
He cautioned that military rule often leads to human rights violations, suspension of the constitution, and suppression of citizens’ freedoms, adding that Nigeria had made meaningful progress since returning to democracy in 1999.
Adegoke attributed the renewed talk of coups to “uncultured youths” who were unaware of Nigeria’s historical struggles.
“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 senior lawyer, Yusuf Ali (SAN), warned that any form of military intervention in governance would be disastrous.
He said the country was still dealing with the consequences of years of 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,” Ali said.
He noted that although democracy was not perfect, it encouraged accountability, inclusion, and long-term development.
Similarly, Isiaka Olagunju (SAN) said that Nigerians who lived through the military era would never wish to see its return.
He stated, “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 urged the Federal Government to safeguard democracy, strengthen institutions, and remain alert against any attempt to undermine constitutional governance.
Several retired military officers also warned against any hopes of a military takeover.
Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) described the coup allegations as politically motivated.
He said, “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.”
Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) urged Nigerians to stay calm, noting that the present generation of officers were professionals committed to democratic values.
He said, “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.
“The military hierarchy has already spoken clearly: that this noise largely emanates from disgruntled elements dissatisfied with promotion decisions. That, in itself, speaks volumes about the transparency and confidence of the current leadership.
“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. This generation of officers are products of global military standards, well-trained in peacekeeping operations, exposed to modern warfare ethics, and deeply aware of the irreparable damage coups have done to Africa’s political and moral foundations. They are not men of the banana-republic era. They are professionals—intellectually grounded, disciplined, and loyal to constitutional order.”
Similarly, Brigadier General George Emdin (retd.) said he did not believe the reports of a coup were 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.
Leaders of civil society organisations also rejected the idea of a military government.
The Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, called on the Federal Government to investigate the matter thoroughly.
He said that coups and dictatorships 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.
The National Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Debo Adeniran, warned that any attempt to stage a coup in Nigeria would be politically disastrous.
Adeniran described the idea as “unacceptable and outdated.”
“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,” CDHR said.
He also pointed out that countries in the Sahel region currently under military rule were already facing severe challenges, warning that Nigeria must avoid making the same mistake.
Many Nigerians also expressed support for democracy on social media.
A legal practitioner, Ofili Onwugbenu, wrote on Facebook, “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.
“But if the reports are true, then those coupists should be dealt with very ruthlessly and mercilessly in such an unforgettable way that will serve as a deterrent to others.”
Another user, Femi Aduwo, posted on X, “One must be grateful, at least nominally, that we operate under a constitutional democracy, however fragile its practical expression may be. Soon, the charges to be preferred against them before the military tribunal will reveal the actual offences they are alleged to have committed.
“If this is truly about promotion failures, then perhaps every disappointed candidate in public service should brace for incarceration. In due course, the real narrative shall inevitably surface, for truth—unlike secrecy—is not bound by military order. Until then, we must endure this theatre of absurdity masquerading as discipline.”
“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,” another user, Tolulope Adelaja, wrote.
A tech expert, Agba Akin, added, “If anything happens to the president, I fear this country is going into ruins and we will suffer a fate way worse than January and July 1966. Long live President Tinubu and hopefully Nigeria too. Section 1(2) of the Constitution is clear—no one has the right to take power by any means other than the Constitution.”
“Nigeria has bled enough from poor governance and institutional mistrust. We need reform, transparency, and accountability, not another cycle of instability,” said Chiazoka Ibe.
A political analyst, Bashiru Akanbi, also said, “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.”
