An investigative report by Premium Times claims that a discreet joint operation between the Nigerian Army and the State Security Service (SSS/DSS) helped thwart an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government and assassinate several top political figures.
According to the outlet, converging intelligence reportedly emerged in late September 2025. A military officer allegedly alerted the then Chief of Army Staff, while the DSS separately gathered intelligence suggesting that some serving officers were planning to destabilize the democratic order. These reports reportedly led to a coordinated operation that resulted in multiple arrests on September 30, 2025.
The report states that both military and civilian suspects were arrested across different parts of the country. President Tinubu was later briefed, reportedly cancelled the October 1 parade, and approved the formation of a special investigative panel. While the military initially described the matter as an internal disciplinary probe, it publicly acknowledged in January that there had been an illegal plot to overthrow the government, according to Premium Times.
The publication also reports that alleged targets included the President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives. Those implicated are expected to face a military judicial process in line with the Armed Forces Act.
