The Presidency has firmly denied reports of an alleged coup attempt in Nigeria, reiterating its confidence in the unwavering loyalty and professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during an interview on TVC News on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, debunked claims circulating on social media and in some news outlets suggesting that a coup was being plotted by certain military officers. Dare described such reports as “false, mischievous, and aimed at destabilizing public confidence in the government and the military.”
He maintained that the Federal Government fully aligns with the official position of the Nigerian Armed Forces, which had earlier refuted any suggestion of disloyalty or conspiracy within its ranks. According to Dare, there is no basis for panic or speculation, as the military remains the constitutionally empowered institution responsible for safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, peace, and territorial integrity.
“We are going to stick to the narrative of the military because they are the ones constitutionally empowered to secure this country. They are given the power, arms, and intelligence capacity to protect Nigeria’s unity. Until the military provides a different narrative, we stand by their position,” Dare stated.
He further clarified that certain administrative decisions within the Armed Forces, such as the retention or redeployment of officers, were purely strategic and not related to any alleged coup activities. “There is a need to maintain institutional memory and balance in leadership decisions, and such moves should not be misinterpreted as political,” he added.
The Presidency’s clarification comes amid public anxiety following widespread reports alleging that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) had detained several high-ranking officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force in connection with a supposed coup plot.
Security sources claimed that operatives of the Nigerian Army recently conducted a raid on the Abuja home of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, after intelligence allegedly linked a “former South-South governor” to secret meetings with some of the detained officers.
During the operation, Sylva’s brother, identified as Paga, was reportedly arrested, while the former minister was said to have left the country days before the raid. Security personnel were also said to have extended their search to Sylva’s residence in Bayelsa State.
Although there has been no official statement from the military regarding the raid, sources close to the investigation described the operation as a “targeted response” to intelligence pointing to potential political involvement in the alleged coup discussions.
Meanwhile, family members of the detained officers have raised concerns over their welfare, alleging that they have been held for weeks without communication or formal charges. Security analysts have also questioned the DIA’s direct handling of the case, arguing that it should have been managed within the individual military services for transparency and procedural fairness.
However, the Presidency’s strong rebuttal appears aimed at quelling rising tension and reaffirming confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Sunday Dare urged the public to disregard unverified reports and to trust that President Tinubu and the Armed Forces remain united in ensuring peace, stability, and the continued protection of Nigeria’s democracy.
“This administration stands firmly against any form of subversion. The military leadership has demonstrated loyalty and professionalism, and we have no reason to doubt their commitment to the Constitution and the Nigerian people,” Dare concluded.
