DHQ dismiss coup rumours against Tinubu Administration

Reports alleging a plot by some military officers to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government have sparked outrage and firm denials from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), which described the claims as false and politically motivated.

Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Media Operations, said there was no coup attempt or related detention within the Armed Forces.

“There is no coup-related detention or plan within the Armed Forces”.

“We didn’t issue any new statement beyond the earlier clarification that some officers were arrested for breaching military regulations.”

In an earlier statement dated October 4, Gusau explained that 16 officers were being investigated for indiscipline linked to grievances over career stagnation and repeated promotion failures.

However, Sahara Reporters alleged that the officers, ranging from Captain to Brigadier General, were detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for plotting a coup scheduled for October 1, a claim that reportedly led to the cancellation of the Independence Day parade.

Legal and Civil Groups Condemn Coup Talk

Senior lawyers and civil society leaders have strongly condemned any talk of a military takeover, warning that such an act would jeopardize Nigeria’s democratic stability.

Human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) said, “The worst civilian government is still preferable to the best dictatorship. We say no to all forms of military regime and dictatorship—whether by civilians or those in uniform.”

Similarly, Kunle Adegoke (SAN) described any coup plot as “unwarranted and condemnable,” while Yusuf Ali (SAN) said a military intervention would be “catastrophic.”

Isiaka Olagunju (SAN) added that Nigerians who lived through military rule would never wish for its return, urging authorities to “protect democracy and strengthen its institutions.”

Retired Generals and Security Experts React

Retired senior officers also dismissed the coup rumours, calling them politically driven. Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) said, “This story was instigated by politicians trying to discredit the Tinubu administration. The military remains solidly behind the president.”

Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) stressed that today’s Nigerian military is “professional, globally trained, and fully aware of the damage coups have done to Africa.”

He added, “These are not the soldiers of the 1980s—they are disciplined and loyal to constitutional order.”

Another retired officer, Brigadier General George Emdin (retd.), said, “If those at the top aren’t involved, forget it—it cannot work.”

Public and Civil Society Support Democracy

Civil society groups and Nigerians have also reaffirmed their commitment to democratic governance. YIAGA Africa’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, said, “Military coups and dictatorships can never be on the table. Nigeria’s democracy is coming of age.”

Committee for the Defence of Human Rights Chairman, Debo Adeniran, warned that “Nigerians no longer tolerate military rule,” calling any coup attempt a “misadventure.”

Nigerians on social media echoed similar views, insisting the country must not return to military rule. One user wrote, “A coup in 2025 under President Tinubu? Those days are gone.” Another commented, “Nigeria needs reform and accountability, not another cycle of instability.”

Military Reaffirms Loyalty to Democracy
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its full loyalty to the Constitution and President Tinubu, stressing that the reports were malicious and aimed at sowing public distrust.

“The decision to cancel the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was to allow the president attend a strategic bilateral meeting and to enable the Armed Forces sustain the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry,” the statement read.

The DHQ urged Nigerians to disregard the misinformation and continue supporting national security efforts, reaffirming that “the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”

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