Nigeria’s security agencies say a covert intelligence operation uncovered an alleged plan by some serving and retired military officers to overthrow the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The investigation, which unfolded quietly in late 2025, combined insider disclosures with parallel intelligence gathered by state security bodies, leading to swift and coordinated arrests.
How Intelligence Broke the Case
The probe gained momentum in late September 2025 after a serving military officer reportedly approached the then Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, with details of the alleged scheme. The officer is said to have acted out of fear that remaining silent could make him complicit in treason. His disclosure immediately raised concern within military leadership.
Around the same period, the Department of State Services (DSS) had independently gathered intelligence pointing to discussions among some officers about destabilising the government and undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
The DSS Director-General, Adeola Ajayi, personally briefed Oluyede. With intelligence from two separate sources aligning, both agencies agreed urgent action was necessary.
A discreet joint operation between the DSS and the Nigerian Army was approved. Arrests were carefully coordinated across multiple locations to prevent suspects from escaping or alerting others believed to be involved.
Arrests, Fallout, and What Followed
On September 30, 2025, as President Tinubu travelled to Imo State for an official engagement, the operation was executed. Several officers and civilian collaborators were arrested.
Senior defence officials, including the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiandeye, and the then Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, were briefed soon after. Suspects were transferred to secure facilities at the Defence Intelligence Agency for further interrogation.
President Tinubu was later informed of the foiled plot. He ordered the cancellation of the October 1, 2025, Independence Day parade as a precaution and approved a special investigative panel led by Undiandeye.
The panel’s work resulted in additional arrests, although one suspect briefly escaped custody before being rearrested in Bauchi State. Investigators also identified a retired senior officer, referred to as General Adamu, as an alleged financier who remained at large.
The arrested officers are expected to face a military judicial panel. Officials say the case is being handled under established military and national security laws, stressing that Nigeria’s uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999 will be defended against any attempt to subvert democratic governance.
