“The coup would have been bloody beyond imagination,” a senior security source said. “It was not merely an attempt to seize power but a blueprint for mass elimination and paralysis of Nigeria’s leadership structure”
Fresh indications emerged Thursday on how the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) uncovered and foiled what security insiders described as ‘one of the most dangerous coup plots’ in Nigeria’s recent history.
The coup plot, it was learnt, was aimed at overthrowing the Federal Government and eliminating senior political and military leaders in the country.
According to a report by PR Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), under the leadership of the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and its internal intelligence unit led by the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, uncovered the plot several weeks ago and successfully thwarted it.
The conspirators were said to have drawn up plans for simultaneous attacks on strategic targets, including top officials in the Presidency, principal officers of the National Assembly, key security chiefs, and the National Security Adviser.
“The coup would have been bloody beyond imagination,” a senior security source said. “It was not merely an attempt to seize power but a blueprint for mass elimination and paralysis of Nigeria’s leadership structure.”
Although both the Federal Government and the DHQ initially dismissed reports of a coup attempt as false, new intelligence indicates that a sophisticated and dangerous network was indeed uncovered.
The discovery was made solely through the DHQ’s internal counterintelligence apparatus, without the involvement of other security agencies.
Investigators revealed that the suspects had procured vehicles and tactical equipment, some meant for disguise and covert mobility, and had already infiltrated sensitive government zones to ensure quick access during the planned strike.
The ongoing investigation has since been extended to include civilian collaborators.
Forensic experts are tracing financial transactions and communication records, with billions of naira reportedly linked to political sponsors believed to have financed the operation.
Security insiders said none of the detained officers had ties to the Office of the National Security Adviser. Most of the suspects were described as disgruntled officers — many of whom had failed promotion examinations or remained in stagnant postings
Security insiders said none of the detained officers had ties to the Office of the National Security Adviser. Most of the suspects were described as disgruntled officers — many of whom had failed promotion examinations or remained in stagnant postings.
“Their frustration was weaponised,” another source explained. “They were made to believe they were fighting for reform, but in reality, they were pawns in a dangerous political game.”
Analysts familiar with the development noted that the alleged conspirators cut across religious and regional lines — a rare alliance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“It was a reckless coalition that defied the country’s usual ethnic and religious divisions, bound only by a shared readiness to undermine democracy,” one security analyst observed.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has reaffirmed its unwavering loyalty to the Constitution and to President Bola Tinubu, stressing that the Armed Forces remain firmly committed to democratic governance.
Security experts have commended the DHQ for its swift and discreet management of the threat but cautioned that the underlying grievances within the military must be addressed to forestall future unrest.
Source: PR Nigeria
