Abuja insists ‘democracy is forever’ – but arrests spark scrutiny amid Sahel coups and ECOWAS strains.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Nigeria has detained 16 senior officers for what it described as “indiscipline and breach of service regulations”, and rejected claims of a failed coup.
The arrests were officially announced on 4 October 2025 and on 18 October the military issued a fresh statement insisting the case is purely disciplinary.
When contacted by The Africa Report, a DHQ spokesperson said there was nothing to add to the earlier statement.
What the DHQ says
In its 18 October statement, DHQ said the officers violated service regulations after growing frustrated over “perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues”.
Even though Nigerians are not enjoying the dividends of democracy, they still prefer a civilian government
The DHQ warned it would not tolerate behaviour that “undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority”, adding that “democracy is forever”.
Why suspicion lingers
Multiple military sources insist the officers are being held over a failed coup plot. Critics have also questioned the official line. Prominent lawyer and political analyst Jiti Ogunye argues that the military’s explanation is intended to downplay the gravity of the incident.
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“Euphemistically calling a coup plot an act of military misconduct, instead of naming it treason, is presumably to manage the consequences of full disclosure – including internal and external loss of confidence in ‘democracy’,” says Ogunye, who fears the strategy is unwise.
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Speculation intensified after the cancellation of the 1 October Independence Day parade – only the second such cancellation since the return to democracy in 1999, after 2010’s Abuja bombings. This year’s ceremony was scaled down and moved to the presidential villa, a decision that many observers read as a sign of heightened security concerns.
Military repeatedly denies rumours
Under President Bola Tinubu, the military has repeatedly batted away coup rumours – a sign of tension within the ranks. In August 2024, the late lieutenant-general Taoreed Lagbaja, then army chief, said the Armed Forces would “not allow itself to be used to undemocratically sail some interests to power”, adding: “thanks, but no thanks” to calls for intervention.
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In October 2024, #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests saw some voices urge military action – a notion Lagbaja rejected.
The chief of defence staff, General Christopher Musa, has echoed the line, telling journalists in August 2024: “Democracy is what we stand for, and democracy is what we will continue to defend.” In a Democracy Day message that June, he pledged the forces’ “unwavering commitment” to the constitution and the president.
Nigeria’s record on coups
Nigeria has experienced at least nine coups and attempted coups between 1966 and 1995. The last major scare came in 1997, when then head of state Sani Abacha accused his deputy, Oladipo Diya, and other senior officers of plotting to overthrow him.
A military tribunal sentenced them to death; Abacha’s death in 1998 halted the executions, and the accused were later freed.
Since 1999, the country has recorded 26 consecutive years of civilian rule.
A coup-ridden regional backdrop
The alleged plot surfaces as parts of Africa see renewed military intervention in politics. Since 2020, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have fallen under juntas and have quit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) — a blow to a bloc Nigeria helped shape, including under President Tinubu’s recent chairmanship.
Northern voices in Nigeria were particularly critical when Tinubu threatened to invade Niger in response to the coup in Niamey.
In Gabon, the 2023 putsch ended the Bongo dynasty while in Madagascar, the impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina this month has deepened political uncertainty. Sudan’s civil war has gutted state institutions, while Sahel juntas have sought alternative security partnerships.
Nigeria’s military, stretched by jihadist violence, banditry and secessionist agitation at home, is keen to distance itself from that trend.
The opposition is sceptical
Tanko Yunusa, spokesman of the Obidient movement, urged vigilance as living standards slide. “People are hungry and tired of being manipulated. So, we are not surprised the anger has reached that level, even within the military,” he said.
Others, however, dismiss talk of a coup. Femi Aina, a chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), said Nigerians remain committed to democracy despite growing frustration.
“Even though Nigerians are not enjoying the dividends of democracy, they still prefer a civilian government. At a time when the country faces serious security threats from Boko Haram and other groups, Nigerians would rather have the military protect them than rule them,” Aina said.
Names of Soldiers Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot to Overthrow President Tinubu Revealed..
In a shocking development, Premium Times Hausa has released a detailed list of Nigerian military officers currently in custody over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government through violent means. The plot, according to sources, also involved plans to assassinate Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas.
The report identified Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq, born January 3, 1974, as the alleged ringleader of the coup attempt. A native of Nasarawa State and a member of Regular Course 44 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Sadiq previously served as Commander of the 3rd Brigade, Kano, and Garrison Commander, 81 Division, Lagos. He had earlier been investigated for misconduct in 2024 involving diversion of military supplies.
Other key suspects named include:
Colonel M.A. Ma’aji (N/10668) – from Niger State, accused of designing the strategic framework for the coup.
Lt. Col. S. Bappah (N/13036) – from Bauchi State, Signals Corps.
Lt. Col. A.A. Hayatu (N/13038) – from Kaduna State, Infantry Corps.
Lt. Col. M. Almakura (N/12983) – from Nasarawa State, Infantry Corps.
Lt. Col. P. Dangnap (N/13025) – from Plateau State, previously court-martialed in 2015.
Maj. A.J. Ibrahim (N/13065) – from Gombe State.
Maj. M.M. Jiddah (N/13003) – from Katsina State.
Maj. M.A. Usman (N/15404) – from FCT.
Maj. D. Yusuf (N/14753) – from Gombe State.
Maj. I. Dauda (N/13625) – from Jigawa State, commissioned via Direct Short Service.
Additional suspects detained for conspiracy include:
Captain Ibrahim Bello (N/16266)
Captain A.A. Yusuf (N/16724)
Lt. S.S. Felix (N/18105)
Lt. Commander D.B. Abdullahi (NN/3289) – Nigerian Navy
Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu (NAF/3481) – Nigerian Air Force
Sources within the Defence Headquarters confirmed that interrogations are ongoing as investigators trace the funding and communication channels behind the failed coup attempt.
The Federal Government has yet to issue an official statement, but security analysts warn that the incident underscores deepening tension within the military amid Nigeria’s current political and economic challenges.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
