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Reports of an alleged plot by some military personnel to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration have triggered outrage among Nigerians, with senior lawyers, civil society groups and retired generals warning against any attempt to subvert democracy.
The Defence Headquarters also dismissed the reports, saying there was no coup-related detention or plan within the military.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, told Sunday PUNCH that the Armed Forces were unaware of any coup plot.
He also claimed that no new update had been issued since the earlier statement on 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 referenced, Gusau had explained that the 16 officers were arrested 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 read in part.
However, an online platform, Sahara Reporters, reported that the detained officers—ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General—were being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency for plotting to overthrow the government.
The platform alleged that the officers were arrested in their homes across the country.
A security source told Sunday PUNCH that the arrests were indeed connected to a coup plot.
According to the source, the plan was to strike on October 1, but arrests began the previous day, 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 said.
SANS reject coup plot
Reacting, senior lawyers in the country condemned any suggestion of a military takeover in Nigeria, which they described as unconstitutional.
Human rights lawyer, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), said Nigeria must reject every form of military rule or dictatorship.
He insisted that no hardship or political dissatisfaction justified truncating 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 nation’s economic hardship, Adegboruwa maintained that democracy remained the best system of government for Nigeria.
“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 an action would have disastrous 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 governments inevitably abuse human rights, suspend the constitution, and stifle citizens’ freedoms, adding that Nigeria had made significant progress since returning to democracy in 1999.
Adegoke attributed the recent coup rhetoric to “uncultured youths” unfamiliar with Nigeria’s history.
“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), said military intervention in governance would be catastrophic.
He warned that the nation was still grappling with the adverse effects of past military regimes.
“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 while democracy may not be perfect, it provides a platform for inclusion, accountability, and long-term national development.
On his part, Isiaka Olagunju (SAN) said Nigerians who lived through military regimes would never wish for their 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.”
The lawyer urged the Federal Government to protect democracy, strengthen its institutions, and remain vigilant against any attempt to undermine constitutional rule.
Retired military officers reject report
Also, several retired military officers cautioned power seekers against entertaining hopes of a military takeover.
Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) described reports of a coup plot 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.”
Also, Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) urged Nigerians to remain calm, noting that the present crop of officers was professional and committed to democratic principles.
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 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 societies, Nigerians back democracy
Leaders of civil society organisations also rejected any military rule.
The Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, urged the Federal Government to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Speaking in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Itodo stressed 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.
On his part, the National Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Debo Adeniran warned that any attempt to stage a coup in Nigeria at this time would amount to a political misadventure.
Adeniran said the era of military interventions in governance was long gone, describing 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.
Adeniran also noted that countries in the Sahel region that recently fell under military control were already facing serious consequences, warning that Nigeria must not go down the same path.
Nigerians also took to social media to support democratic rule.
A legal practitioner, Ofili Onwugbenu, in a Facebook post, 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.
“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.”
Also reacting, an X user, Femi Aduwo, wrote, “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,” Chiazoka Ibe also stated.
Also reacting, a political analyst, Bashiru Akanbi, 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.”
