ABUJA: Reports alleging a possible plot by some military officers to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government have stirred nationwide reactions from firm denials by the military authorities to reassurances by government officials and renewed calls by citizens for stronger democratic accountability.
While the Defence Headquarters has dismissed the reports as false and misleading, insisting there is no coup-related plan or detention within the ranks, sections of the public and civil society have urged the government to ensure full transparency in its handling of the alleged arrests to maintain public confidence.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, clarified that the arrests of some personnel were linked to internal disciplinary breaches rather than any attempt to subvert democracy.
I am not aware that people were detained for a coup. We have not issued any new update beyond the earlier statement. If there’s any development, Nigerians will be duly informed, Gusau said.
Earlier, the Defence Headquarters had explained that the detained personnel were being investigated for acts of indiscipline and professional misconduct tied to grievances over promotions.
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Security sources, however, provided conflicting claims, suggesting that the arrests were broader than reported an allegation the military hierarchy strongly rejects
Presidency sources, though cautious, reiterated confidence in the Armed Forces’ loyalty to the Constitution.
Officials close to the administration described the speculation as a distraction aimed at unsettling public trust.
The Tinubu administration is focused on stabilizing the economy and deepening security reforms. Democracy in Nigeria is not under threat, a senior government aide told our correspondent.
Across the legal and civic space, senior advocates and human rights groups condemned any notion of military intervention, stressing that democratic governance despite its imperfections remains Nigeria’s only legitimate path forward.
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) described coups as unconstitutional and retrogressive, insisting that hardship or political dissatisfaction could never justify a suspension of civil rule.
Similarly, Kunle Adegoke (SAN) and Yusuf Ali (SAN) noted that while democracy needs reform, its principles of inclusion and accountability make it irreplaceable.
Civil society leaders, including Samson Itodo of YIAGA Africa and Debo Adeniran of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, urged government transparency but warned that the “era of military interventions is long gone.
Some retired generals also sought to calm public fears. Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) described the speculation as politically motivated, while Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) stressed that the Nigerian military of today is professional, globally trained, and loyal to constitutional authority.
These are not the soldiers of the 1980s, Aro said. They are disciplined men aware of the damage coups have caused to Africa’s progress.
Public reaction has been divided between relief over the military’s reassurance and calls for government transparency.
Many Nigerians on social media echoed support for democracy but also urged the government to address widespread economic hardship, which they fear could fuel discontent.
A citizen, Chiazoka Ibe, wrote online, Nigeria has bled enough from poor governance and mistrust. We need reform and accountability, not instability.
Another user remarked,The military must remain neutral, and the government must listen to the people before frustration breeds dangerous ideas.
Nigeria, which has enjoyed over two decades of uninterrupted democracy since 1999, remains under regional and international scrutiny amid a wave of recent coups in parts of West and Central Africa.
Analysts say maintaining transparency, strengthening institutions, and improving citizens’ welfare are essential to sustaining public trust in civilian rule.
As investigations continue into the detained officers, the Defence Headquarters maintains that it will communicate verified information to the public.
For now, Nigerians are urged to remain calm, defend democratic values, and resist misinformation capable of undermining national stability.
