Coup rumours in Nigeria have sparked widespread outrage among citizens, civil society groups, and senior lawyers. Many condemned any attempt to subvert democracy or return the country to military rule.
The Defence Headquarters dismissed the reports, saying no coup-related detention or plot existed within the Armed Forces. Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the military remained loyal to the Constitution.
According to him, the earlier detention of 16 officers was for acts of indiscipline, not a coup attempt. He explained that their grievances stemmed from failed promotion exams and career stagnation.
However, an online platform, Sahara Reporters, alleged that the detained officers were plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government. It claimed they were arrested in different states before the Independence Day parade was canceled.
A security source also told journalists that the arrests began on September 30 and involved more than 16 personnel.
Meanwhile, senior lawyers strongly condemned any idea of military intervention. Human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) insisted that no hardship justified ending democracy. He stressed that dictatorship, whether civilian or military, must never return.
Similarly, Kunle Adegoke (SAN) described the coup talks as “unwarranted and dangerous.” He warned that military regimes destroy freedoms, suspend the constitution, and abuse rights. He noted that Nigeria had made steady democratic progress since 1999.
Another lawyer, Yusuf Ali (SAN), said any coup attempt would be catastrophic. He warned that Nigeria was still suffering from the consequences of previous military regimes.
Also, Isiaka Olagunju (SAN) emphasized that Nigerians who witnessed past dictatorships would never wish for their return. He urged the government to strengthen democratic institutions and remain vigilant against anti-constitutional plots.
Retired generals also dismissed the reports. Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) called the rumours politically motivated, stressing that the military fully supports President Tinubu.
Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) said the current military officers are professionals trained to uphold democracy, not disrupt it. He explained that coup rumours in 2025 were outdated and irrelevant to Nigeria’s modern army.
Civil society groups joined in rejecting military rule. YIAGA Africa’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, urged the government to investigate the matter and safeguard democracy.
Similarly, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights described any coup attempt as a “political misadventure.” It warned that Nigerians no longer tolerate military intervention in governance.
On social media, many Nigerians expressed support for democracy. Some users described the coup rumours as “baseless,” urging authorities to deal decisively with anyone found guilty of treason.
Others stressed that Nigeria needed reforms and accountability, not instability. Citizens agreed that despite economic hardship, the country must never return to military rule.
