Tension in Nigeria as Coup Allegations Stir Public Outrage
The controversy began when online publications claimed that the headquarters of the presidential guards had been placed on high alert amid rumours of a coup plot. Two of the most prominent institutions to respond to the story swiftly were the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and the Nigerian Army, both describing the allegations as fake news and baseless.
In a statement, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Acting Director of Defence Information at the DHQ, said the claim that 16 officers had been arrested for plotting a coup or that an emergency meeting had been held involving the president was totally false and described the publication as malicious and intended to cause undue tension.
The federal government, through the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, echoed the denial. Minister Mohammed Idris stated that the report was the figment of a warped imagination of detractors who sought to destabilise the country and undermine the administration. He urged the public to refrain from spreading or amplifying the reports.
Despite the official dismissals, the rumour stirred widespread disquiet across Nigeria’s political and civil landscape. The socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo, for example, publicly denied involvement of Igbo officers in any coup plans, reaffirming its loyalty to the Tinubu administration while condemning what it termed fabrications aimed at dividing the nation.
Civil society actors and retired military figures also entered the debate, warning that even the suggestion of a coup undermines public confidence in democratic institutions and could provoke needless instability. Some senior lawyers called for responsible reporting and verification of sources to avoid the kind of misinformation that might trigger panic or unrest.
Analysts say the timing of such rumours is significant. Nigeria is confronting mounting economic challenges, including high inflation and a weakened naira, and the perception of turmoil within the military or doubts about the government’s stability could deepen public anxiety. The government’s swift denials reflect a clear recognition of how damaging such narratives can be for investor confidence, national cohesion and democratic governance.
At the same time, opposition parties have voiced concern that talk of a coup could be manipulated to justify crackdowns on dissent or opposition activity. The African Democratic Congress accused the presidency of using alleged coup talk to lay groundwork for repression.
Security agencies and the government have now urged the public to stay calm and to verify information carefully. They said they will take legal action against those who spread false or malicious rumours that threaten national security.
The incident underscores how in Nigeria’s congested information environment, unfounded claims of military intervention can quickly escalate into national controversies even when officially denied. The episode remains a reminder that the health of Nigeria’s democracy depends partly on trust in institutions, responsible discourse, and the preservation of clear civilian authority over the military.
