FACT CHECK: Was there really a Coup attempt against Tinubu in Nigeria?

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Widespread reports claiming that several Nigerian military officers were arrested over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu have stirred public anxiety, but a careful fact-check shows no verified evidence to confirm any such attempt.

The reports, first published by Sahara Reporters on Saturday, alleged that about 16 senior officers, including a Brigadier-General, were detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over what sources described as “a plot to overthrow the government.” The outlet further claimed that the alleged plot was planned to coincide with Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations on October 1.

No official confirmation from Military or Presidency

However, investigations reveal that no official statement from either the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the Nigerian Army, or the Presidency has confirmed the alleged arrests or any coup-related plot. Attempts to verify the claims through official military channels have yielded no corroboration.

The Defence Headquarters has a recent history of debunking similar coup claims, branding them “malicious and unfounded attempts to cause public panic.” In February and April 2024, the military issued strong warnings against what it described as “baseless rumours aimed at destabilising the country.”

No Independent verification by Local and Global Media

As of the time of this report, no credible international news agency, including Reuters, Associated Press, or BBC, has independently verified the alleged arrests or any planned coup.

Analysts say it is plausible that some officers may have been questioned or detained for internal disciplinary reasons, but linking such actions to a coup plot remains speculative and unsupported by evidence.

Verdict: Claim remains unsubstantiated

Therefore, based on all available and verified information, the alleged coup attempt remains unsubstantiated. Until the Nigerian military or government issues an official confirmation, the claim should be regarded as an unverified report rather than an established fact.