Story perspectives

Military Denies Coup Links Amid Officer Arrests

10/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) denied links between the arrest of 16 military officers and an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, saying the arrests are routine professional-misconduct investigations, according to military spokesman Brigadier General Tukur Gusau.
The DHQ attributed the parade’s cancellation to the President's scheduled bilateral meeting abroad and ongoing operations against terrorism.
An investigative panel has been established, and its findings will be disclosed to the public.

History

Historical Context

In Nigeria, military coups have been a recurring theme since independence in 1960, with five major coups occurring by 1993. The 1990 coup attempt led by Major Gideon Orkar against General Ibrahim Babangida's regime resulted in the execution of 42 conspirators. The recent denial of coup links by the Defence Headquarters highlights ongoing military tensions, underscoring the need for transparency to restore public trust.

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Story summary

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) denied links between the arrest of 16 military officers and an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, saying the arrests are routine professional-misconduct investigations, according to military spokesman Brigadier General Tukur Gusau.
The DHQ attributed the parade’s cancellation to the President's scheduled bilateral meeting abroad and ongoing operations against terrorism.
An investigative panel has been established, and its findings will be disclosed to the public.

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