Alleged Coup Plot: Ex-Governor From Southern Nigeria Reportedly Under Security Watch

A former governor from one of Nigeria’s southern states has reportedly come under security watch for alleged links to army officers detained over a purported plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to reports obtained by Daily Trust, intelligence sources disclosed that the former governor is being investigated for allegedly financing the foiled coup attempt, which was said to have been planned for October 25. While the authorities have not released any official confirmation, sources familiar with the development said the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) is leading the probe, working with representatives from all three branches of the Armed Forces.

The 16 military officers currently in custody include a Brigadier-General, a Colonel, and several other junior officers. Some of them were reportedly attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Investigators are said to be tracing communication and financial transactions between the detained officers and certain civilian figures, including the former governor, who previously worked in the oil and gas sector.

“Yes, the report of the planned coup attempt is true,” one source told Daily Trust. “There are civilian accomplices, including a former governor, but investigations are ongoing to determine their exact level of involvement. For now, there are 16 officers in custody.”

The source added that the former governor could be invited for interrogation if evidence confirms any direct link between him and the detained officers.

It was also gathered that one of the arrested Brigadier-Generals hails from Niger State, while a Colonel from Nasarawa — said to come from a highly influential royal family — is among those being questioned. Members of the Al-Makura family in Nasarawa reportedly expressed concern over the arrest, describing it as distressing for their household.

Meanwhile, more officers are said to have been picked up for questioning in connection with the alleged plot. Sources further revealed that security operatives are also monitoring several influential politicians from both northern and southern parts of the country.

DHQ Denies Coup Allegations

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has, however, denied claims that the detained officers were involved in a coup plot. In a statement issued by its Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ dismissed reports suggesting that Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations were cancelled due to an attempted coup, calling the allegations “false, malicious, and misleading.”

According to the military, the arrested officers are being investigated for professional misconduct and breach of service regulations, not for any subversive activities. The DHQ maintained that the decision to cancel the Independence Day parade was made to allow President Tinubu to attend a strategic meeting abroad and to enable the Armed Forces to focus on counterterrorism and internal security operations.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains loyal to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read. “The ongoing investigations are internal disciplinary processes aimed at maintaining professionalism within the ranks.”

Background to the Arrests

Earlier on October 4, the DHQ had announced the arrest of 16 officers for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” noting that some of the officers had a history of disciplinary issues, including failed promotion examinations and previous infractions.

However, sources told Daily Trust that the official statement was deliberately toned down after consultations with top government officials, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, to avoid sparking public panic or negative reactions from the international community.

Public Reaction

Since reports of the arrests emerged, many Nigerians have taken to social media demanding transparency from the military. Some users questioned why the identities of the detained officers have been withheld, while others urged the government to clarify the nature of their alleged offences.

One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “There’s no smoke without fire. Tell us the exact breach of service regulations — Nigerians deserve to know.”

Despite the military’s denial, the alleged coup plot continues to dominate national discourse, raising questions about internal discontent within the Armed Forces and the state of Nigeria’s political stability.