DSS Arrests Social Media User Over Alleged Call for Military Coup Against Tinubu’s Government
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a social media user for allegedly calling for a military coup to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in what authorities described as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Confirming the arrest on Wednesday, a senior security source disclosed that the suspect was apprehended after a series of inciting posts surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, urging members of the armed forces to take control of the government.
The DSS said the suspect’s actions amounted to treasonable advocacy and were capable of destabilizing the country. The agency emphasized that freedom of expression must never be used as a tool to undermine the nation’s democratic institutions.
“Nigeria operates under a constitutional democracy. Any call for a military takeover is a direct violation of the law and will be treated as such,” a DSS spokesperson said.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspect had been under surveillance for several days before being traced and arrested. Digital forensics reportedly linked the individual to multiple accounts spreading propaganda and calling for civil unrest.
The security agency revealed that while Nigerians are free to express dissatisfaction with governance, there are legal boundaries that citizens must respect. The DSS reiterated that it will continue to monitor online spaces to detect and neutralize threats before they escalate into acts of violence or subversion.
“Freedom of speech does not equate to freedom to incite treason or destabilize the nation. Citizens must exercise caution and responsibility when using social media platforms,” the statement added.
The arrest follows recent heightened tension across social media platforms where some users have been expressing anger over inflation, unemployment, and insecurity. However, authorities maintain that no level of frustration justifies a call for an unconstitutional change of government.
Security analysts believe the arrest is part of a broader effort by the DSS to curb online radicalization and maintain national stability amid rising political and economic pressures.
Meanwhile, human rights advocates have urged the government to handle the case within the limits of the law, stressing that citizens’ rights to free speech must be protected even as security agencies uphold national security.
The DSS confirmed that the suspect remains in custody and is cooperating with investigators. The agency added that upon conclusion of its investigations, the case will be referred to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) for possible prosecution under relevant sections of Nigeria’s Criminal and Cybercrime Acts.
The DSS also issued a stern warning to social media users nationwide, advising them to desist from spreading fake news or supporting any call that could be interpreted as a threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“The peace and unity of Nigeria are non-negotiable. Any individual or group caught promoting insurrection will face the full wrath of the law,” the statement concluded.
