A covert, high-level intelligence operation jointly coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly foiled an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu and assassinate top political leaders, PREMIUM TIMES has authoritatively reported.
According to multiple senior administration and security sources cited by the newspaper, the alleged coup plot began to unravel in late September 2025, following a confidential tip-off from a serving military officer with direct knowledge of the scheme.+Full Details. .
The officer reportedly contacted the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, expressing fears of being implicated in treason if he failed to alert authorities about the unfolding plan.
DSS, Army Intelligence Intercept Plot
Around the same period, the DSS independently obtained intelligence suggesting that some serving army officers were plotting to destabilise the government and undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
Sources said the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, personally briefed the Army Chief after the intelligence reports aligned.
Faced with corroborating intelligence from multiple channels, the security chiefs reportedly approved a swift but discreet joint operation, targeting the alleged masterminds and collaborators across different parts of the country.
Arrests Begin as President Travels
On 30 September 2025, as President Tinubu travelled to Imo State for an official engagement — reportedly unaware of the alleged assassination plot — the joint security operation was activated.
The operation led to the arrest of key suspects, including serving military officers and civilian collaborators believed to be central to the alleged plot.
Subsequently, the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Emmanuel Undiandeye, and the then Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, were briefed.
The suspects were transferred to the Defence Intelligence Agency’s underground detention facility on Mr Undiandeye’s directive.
Presidency Informed, Independence Parade Cancelled
Sources disclosed that President Tinubu was formally briefed shortly after the arrests.
A visibly shaken president reportedly ordered the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade and approved the formation of a special investigative panel, headed by General Undiandeye.
The investigation later resulted in additional arrests, although one detained soldier reportedly escaped custody before being rearrested by DSS operatives in Bauchi State.
Meanwhile, a retired senior military officer identified as General Adamu and a former governor, Timipre Sylva, allegedly accused of financing the plot, were said to have gone underground at the time.
Military Shake-Up Follows
In the aftermath, President Tinubu retired the then CDS, General Musa, alongside the Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff. Lt. Gen. Oluyede was later appointed Chief of Defence Staff and promoted to General. Weeks later, General Musa returned to government as Minister of Defence.
In an October 4 statement, the Defence Headquarters said the arrested officers were under investigation for indiscipline and breach of service regulations, citing grievances linked to career stagnation and failed promotion examinations.
Despite sustained media reports, the military initially denied the existence of any coup plot, describing the probe as a routine internal disciplinary process.
Military Confirms Coup Plot Months Later
However, on 26 January, the Armed Forces publicly acknowledged for the first time that some officers had indeed plotted to illegally overthrow President Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that those indicted would be arraigned before a military judicial panel, stressing that the investigation was comprehensive and conducted in line with established military procedures.
The military described the alleged conduct as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
Alleged Assassination Targets Revealed
In an earlier report, PREMIUM TIMES quoted sources as naming President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, as key figures allegedly marked for assassination.
Sources further claimed that the plotters intended to detain senior military officers, including service chiefs, while relying on informants within the Presidential Villa to track the movements of targeted officials.
“They planned to eliminate the political leadership simultaneously and install a military government,” one source reportedly said.
While investigations continue, the revelations underscore ongoing efforts by Nigeria’s security agencies to protect constitutional order and prevent unconstitutional seizure of power. See What Next?
LeadNaija News will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as more official information emerges.
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