Nigerian Defence Headquarters Denies Coup Attempt Amid Officer Arrests, Independence Parade Cancellation

Reports have emerged about an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu by approximately 20 military officers, leading to heightened government tension and the unprecedented cancellation of Nigeria's 65th Independence Day parade in 2025. The Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims linking the cancellation to a coup attempt, clarifying that the parade was called off to allow President Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting and to maintain focus on ongoing security challenges. Arrested officers, ranging from Captain to Brigadier General, are accused of acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations, though some sources allege their involvement in a broader plan to overthrow the government. Intelligence sources reveal the coup was tentatively planned for October 25, with the plotters intending to assassinate key government officials including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and top legislative leaders, while planning to arrest senior military officers without killing them. The plotters reportedly had informants within the Presidential Villa to monitor targeted officials' movements and aimed to execute simultaneous attacks to install a military government. An investigative panel has been established to probe the involvement of the arrested officers amid ongoing security concerns.