Presidency Finally Breaks Silence on Alleged Coup Plot – Full Details Emerge
The Presidency has firmly dismissed reports of an alleged coup attempt in Nigeria, reiterating its confidence in the loyalty and professionalism of the nation’s armed forces under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Speaking during an interview on TVC News on Tuesday, Sunday Dare, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, described the coup claims as baseless and assured Nigerians that there was “no coup attempt anywhere in the country.”
Dare reaffirmed that the government fully aligns with the stance of the Nigerian Armed Forces, which had earlier issued an official denial of any coup plot.
Military’s Role and Presidential Confidence
According to Dare, the military remains the constitutionally empowered institution responsible for safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity. He emphasized that President Tinubu has absolute trust in the military’s loyalty and professionalism.
“We are going to stick to the narrative of the military because they are constitutionally empowered to secure this country,” Dare said.
“When the military says these are the reasons behind recent developments, we stand by that narrative. Until they issue a different position, we will continue to rely on their official briefing.”
He further explained that decisions regarding military personnel retention are based on maintaining institutional memory and operational balance, not on favoritism.
Growing Public Anxiety
The Presidency’s reassurance follows increasing public unease over reports of a coup plot and the detention of several senior military officers by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
In recent days, unverified reports surfaced alleging that operatives of the Nigerian Army had raided the Abuja residence of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, in connection with the purported coup discussions.
Security sources claimed the raid was carried out by a “special military team” after intelligence allegedly linked a former South-South governor to meetings with some of the detained officers.
Sylva’s brother, identified as Paga, was reportedly arrested during the operation, while the former minister was said to have left the country days before the raid. The search also extended to his Bayelsa residence.
Ongoing Investigations and Concerns
While the military has not issued an official statement regarding the operation, insider sources described it as a “targeted response” to credible intelligence suggesting possible political involvement.
The DIA has allegedly detained at least 16 senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force in relation to the case. Family members of the detained officers claim they have been held for weeks without communication or formal charges.
Security analysts have, however, questioned the DIA’s direct involvement, arguing that each service branch should handle its personnel internally. Some experts have characterized the DIA’s approach as “politically driven”, calling for greater transparency to prevent unnecessary tension.
Despite the swirling rumors, the Presidency insists that Nigeria remains stable, the military is loyal, and there is no threat to the democratic government of President Bola Tinubu.
