Failed Coup Plot, Plan to Assassinate Key Government Officials

Failed Coup Plot, Plan to Assassinate Key Government Officials
The alleged coup plotters planned to assassinate key government officials.
Defence Headquarters confirmed investigations but denied a coup attempt.

Fresh details have emerged on how a group of military officers allegedly plotted to overthrow President Bola Tinubu and destabilise Nigeria’s democracy.

According to top intelligence sources cited by Premium Times, about 20 officers have been arrested and detained in connection with the foiled coup attempt. The discovery reportedly forced the government to cancel the traditional National Independence Day parade on October 1, 2025, as a precautionary measure.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that an insider revealed that the coup plotters had initially chosen October 25 as their operation date. “That was the tentative date. If things did not work out that day, they were prepared to continue plotting,” the source said.

Another senior security source explained that the decision to cancel the parade, despite the arrests being made before October 1, was to avoid any potential risk. “The parade could have been held, but the government did not want to take any chances since it was a military event,” the source added.

Key Targets of the Plot
Investigations revealed that the coup plotters allegedly planned to assassinate top government officials, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

According to sources, the group worked with informants inside the Presidential Villa and closely tracked the movements of the targeted officials. “They wanted to kill them all at the same time and install a military government,” one source said.

Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, confirmed that the detained officers were being investigated for “indiscipline” and “breach of service regulations.” He added that initial findings showed their grievances were linked to career stagnation and failed promotion exams.

The Defence Headquarters, however, denied that the October 1 parade was cancelled because of a coup threat, insisting that only sixteen officers remain under investigation and that their actions were not directly connected to an attempted takeover.