The Digest:
An interim investigation has revealed that an Army Colonel coordinated a foiled coup plot against President Bola Tinubu's government. According to a report, the officer, disaffected after failing promotion exams, recruited like-minded personnel across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The plotters conducted surveillance on key installations, including the Presidential Villa and major airports, and assigned roles for targeting top government officials. Financial inducements and encrypted communications were used, with arrests made since October 2025. The Defence Headquarters confirmed the investigation is complete and that indicted officers will face a military judicial panel.
Key Points:
- The exposed plot underscores persistent internal security threats within Nigeria's military establishment.
- Successful prevention reinforces institutional loyalty but may lead to distrust and heightened scrutiny within the armed forces.
- Civil-military relations could be strained, potentially impacting morale and operational cohesion.
- The incident highlights systemic grievances, such as promotion stagnation, that can fuel discontent.
- Timing is sensitive amid broader national economic and security challenges, testing government stability.
The military judicial process will be closely watched as a test of transparency and accountability within the security sector.
Sources: The Punch, Defence Headquarters
