In what security insiders have described as the most dangerous coup attempt in Nigeria’s recent history, 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, successfully thwarted a violent plot aimed at toppling the federal government, PRNigeria has exclusively gathered.
The foiled conspiracy, uncovered several weeks ago by defence intelligence operatives, reportedly involved plans for the coordinated assassination of senior political and military figures, 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 told PRNigeria.
“The planning didn’t start this year. It wasn’t just about seizing power—it was a blueprint for mass elimination and the total paralysis of Nigeria’s leadership structure.
”The revelation comes amid ongoing investigations into the arrest of 16 military officers over alleged breaches of service regulations. While both the Federal Government and the DHQ initially dismissed reports of a coup attempt as “false and misleading,” fresh intelligence obtained by PRNigeria confirms that a sophisticated and dangerous conspiracy was indeed uncovered.
According to high-ranking sources, the plot was detected exclusively through the DHQ’s internal counterintelligence apparatus, without the involvement of other security agencies.
The suspects had allegedly procured vehicles and tactical equipment, some intended for disguise and covert mobility. They had already infiltrated sensitive government zones to facilitate swift access during the planned strike.
Investigators have since expanded the probe to include civilian collaborators. Forensic experts are tracking financial transactions and communication trails, with billions of naira traced to bank accounts allegedly linked to political sponsors believed to be financing the operation.
Despite the plot’s magnitude and contrary to recent insinuations, sources confirmed that none of the detained officers had any ties to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Military insiders described the arrested personnel as largely disgruntled officers—many of whom had failed promotion exams or remained in stagnant postings for extended periods.“That frustration was weaponised,” a source close to the investigation explained.
“They were manipulated into believing they were fighting for justice or reform. In truth, they were pawns in a dangerous political game.
”Security analysts note the unusual composition of the conspirators, which reportedly included individuals from both Christian and Muslim backgrounds, as well as from Northern and Southern regions of the country.
“The irony is striking,” one analyst observed. “This was a reckless and unfathomable alliance that defied Nigeria’s usual ethno-religious fault lines—united only by a shared willingness to undermine democracy.”
In response to the revelations, the Defence Headquarters has reiterated its unwavering commitment to democratic governance, emphasising that the Armed Forces remain loyal to the Constitution and the President.
The DHQ’s swift and discreet handling of the threat has drawn commendation from security experts, who warn that while the immediate danger may have been averted, the underlying grievances that fueled the plot must be addressed to prevent future unrest.
