The Nigerian army officially acknowledged on Monday, January 26, that a coup attempt had indeed been planned against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2025, after months of denial. The announcement follows an internal investigation conducted by military authorities.
In October 2025, sixteen officers were arrested by the armed forces for actions described at the time as “indiscipline” and “violations of military regulations.” These arrests sparked widespread speculation, with some media outlets and social media users suggesting a plot to overthrow the government. However, military officials denied any such plot targeting the president, calling the rumors “false and misleading.”
Three months later, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) issued an official statement confirming that the investigation had revealed evidence linking some of the officers to a coup attempt against the government.
According to Major General Samaila Uba, DHQ spokesperson, the investigation was conducted according to established procedures and “identified several officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government.” These officers will be brought before a military tribunal to face charges under Nigerian military law.
The DHQ emphasized that the measures are “purely disciplinary” and aim to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the armed forces. The institution reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority.
This official acknowledgment comes in a regional context marked by political and security challenges, including recent coups in other West African countries. Nigeria, the continent’s most populous nation, transitioned from decades of military rule to civilian government in 1999, and democratic stability remains a priority for regional and international partners.
The issue initially emerged following the suspension of the October 1, 2025 Independence Day parade, which was canceled without detailed public explanation. Sources linked this decision to the arrest of the officers.
So far, the Nigerian government has not issued a detailed statement beyond the military communiqué. Attention remains focused on the upcoming judicial proceedings for the involved officers and the impact of this case on public confidence in military institutions and the country’s democratic stability.
