DSS, CDS Oluyede Foil Alleged Coup Plot to Assassinate Tinubu, Top Political Figures
Nigeria’s democracy narrowly avoided a potentially catastrophic crisis after a covert intelligence operation reportedly uncovered and dismantled a plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and assassinate key political leaders.
According to details obtained from newsmen, the operation was jointly coordinated by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Army Headquarters under the leadership of the then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, now Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Akahi News gathered that the plot began to unravel in late September 2025 following converging intelligence from multiple security sources.
The revelation, originally reported by Premium Times, has since sparked intense national debate, public reactions, and renewed concerns over internal security and democratic stability.
How the Intelligence Breakthrough Emerged
According to Premium Times, the plot was first exposed when an unnamed military officer allegedly contacted the Army leadership, expressing fears of being implicated in treason if he failed to disclose what he knew. Almost simultaneously, the DSS reportedly obtained independent intelligence suggesting that some serving army officers were planning to destabilise the government.
A senior security source disclosed that the DSS Director-General personally briefed General Oluyede, leading to the launch of a discreet but wide-ranging joint operation. Coordinated arrests were reportedly planned across different locations to neutralise the suspected masterminds and collaborators before any action could be taken.
Akahi News learnt that the joint security sweep was activated on 30 September 2025, the same day President Tinubu travelled to Imo State for an official engagement, allegedly unaware of the looming threat.
Several military and civilian suspects were arrested during the operation. The Chief of Defence Intelligence and the then Chief of Defence Staff were subsequently briefed, while suspects were reportedly held at a Defence Intelligence facility for further investigation.
Alleged Targets and Intended Strategy
In its earlier coverage, Premium Times quoted sources familiar with the investigation as identifying top political figures allegedly marked for assassination. Those named reportedly included President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Sources further claimed that the conspirators planned to carry out simultaneous attacks when all the targets were within the country. The intention, according to security insiders, was to assassinate the political leadership and detain senior military officers before installing a military government.
There were also allegations that informants within and around the Presidential Villa were monitoring official movements. While these claims remain under investigation, Akahi News gathered that security agencies treated the intelligence with extreme urgency due to the potential national implications.
Government Response and Military Position
Following the initial arrests, President Tinubu was reportedly briefed and subsequently approved the cancellation of the 1 October Independence Day parade as a precautionary measure. A special investigative panel was also constituted to deepen the probe.
In an earlier statement issued in October, the Defence Headquarters described the arrests as part of an internal investigation into “indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” citing career stagnation and promotion grievances as possible motivations. At the time, the military publicly denied that a coup plot existed.
However, on 26 January 2026, the military reportedly acknowledged that some officers had indeed plotted to illegally overthrow the government and announced that those indicted would be arraigned before a military judicial panel.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the investigation was comprehensive and conducted in line with established military procedures, stressing that such conduct was inconsistent with the ethics and professional standards of the Armed Forces.
Akahi News gathered that the development has reopened public discourse on internal discipline within the military and the safeguards protecting Nigeria’s constitutional order.
Public Reactions and Political Tensions
The report has triggered heated reactions across social platforms and public forums, with citizens expressing mixed emotions ranging from relief to anger, scepticism, and ethnic interpretations of the alleged plot.
Some commentators praised the DSS and military leadership for averting what could have been a constitutional breakdown, while others questioned the timing and political undertones of the disclosures. Calls have also intensified for transparent prosecution and accountability to restore public confidence in national institutions.
Security analysts warn that inflammatory rhetoric and ethnic profiling could further strain national unity, urging Nigerians to allow the judicial process to run its course.
Implications for Nigeria’s Democracy
If substantiated in court, the alleged plot underscores the fragile nature of democratic consolidation in parts of Africa and the ongoing need for institutional vigilance. Nigeria’s history of military interventions makes any hint of unconstitutional power seizure particularly sensitive.
Observers note that swift intelligence collaboration between security agencies remains critical in safeguarding democratic governance. Akahi News learnt that policymakers may also revisit military welfare, promotion systems, and internal oversight mechanisms to prevent future discontent from escalating into security threats.
As investigations continue, Nigerians await further official disclosures and judicial proceedings that could shape civil-military relations in the years ahead.
Third-Party Source Disclaimer
This report draws from information originally published by Premium Times. At the time of publication, Akahi News had no reason to doubt its accuracy. Akahi News has not independently verified all claims, and the original publisher bears responsibility for initial accuracy. Should the original publisher update, retract, or delete the story, Akahi News will review and update this publication as necessary.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
Akahi News www.akahinews.org
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